Folate or Folic Acid requirements increase substantially in pregnancy. If pregnant women do not get enough Folic Acid, it can increase the risk of Neural Tube Defects such as spina bifida, which occurs in the first weeks of pregnancy, when the brain and spinal cord are forming. Studies have shown that most cases of neural tube defects can be prevented with dietary supplementation of at least 400mcg Folic Acid taken 3 months before conception and during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. It is therefore very important to start taking MamaCare’s Pregnancy Supplement in the months leading up to conception to build up enough reserves in your body for your baby’s earliest development. Folate is found naturally in leafy green vegetables. One serve of MamaCare contains 500mcg Folic Acid.