North American Registry of Midwives (NARM) Practice Exam

How much supplemental folic acid should a pregnant woman take?

1. 400 mcg

2. 600 mcg

3. 800 mcg

4. 1000 mcg

The correct answer is: 800 mcg

The recommended amount of supplemental folic acid for a pregnant woman is often considered to be 600 mcg. Folic acid is crucial during pregnancy as it helps prevent neural tube defects in the developing fetus, which can occur very early in pregnancy, often before the woman even knows she is pregnant. The 600 mcg recommendation is based on guidelines from various health organizations, which emphasize that women who are planning to become pregnant should ideally start taking folic acid supplements at least one month prior to conception and continue throughout the first trimester. This dosage is sufficient to support fetal development during this critical time. While the dose of 400 mcg is typically suggested for women of childbearing age as a preventive measure against neural tube defects, the increased amount during pregnancy recognizes the greater nutritional demands placed on the body. Doses higher than 600 mcg, such as 800 mcg or 1000 mcg, are generally not necessary for the average healthy pregnancy unless there is a specific medical indication, such as a personal or family history of neural tube defects or certain metabolic disorders. Therefore, the most appropriate and widely recommended amount of supplemental folic acid for pregnant women is 600 mcg, aligning with public health recommendations to ensure maternal and fetal health