Why do i need folic acid while pregnant?

Prevent spina bifida: Adequate amounts of Folic Acid either through supplements or diet in the first 10 weeks of pregnancy help to prevent spina bifida a condition where the spine does not close properly. The spine has completed this process by ten weeks so Folic Acid after ten weeks will not prevent spina bifida.

Reduces birth defect: 0.4 mg of Folic Acid starting 1 month prior to conception and during the first trimester has shown to decrease the risk of a neural tube defect - spina bifida - a type of spinal defect.