What is a recommended prenatal vitamin for women trying to conceive?

Folate, also known as folic acid in its synthetic form, is a crucial prenatal vitamin recommended for women who are trying to conceive. It plays a vital role in the prevention of neural tube defects (NTDs) in the developing fetus, which can occur in the early stages of pregnancy, often before a woman even knows she is pregnant. By advising women to take folate before conception and during the first trimester, healthcare providers aim to ensure that there is adequate folate available for proper fetal development.

The recommended dosage is typically 400 micrograms of folate daily, starting at least one month prior to conception and continuing through the first trimester. This is particularly important because neural tube formation happens within the first few weeks of pregnancy, and adequate folate levels can significantly reduce the risk of serious birth defects.

In terms of overall prenatal health, while iron, vitamin D, and calcium are also important for various reasons during pregnancy, folate specifically targets the need for neural tube development, making it the most critical vitamin to focus on during the preconception phase.