Neural tube defects (prevention in pregnancy)

First Line

Second Line

Specialist

Hospital Only

Women at a low risk of conceiving a child with a neural tube defect should be advised to take folic acid as a medicinal or food supplement at a dose of 400 micrograms daily before conception and until week 12 of pregnancy. Women who have not been taking folic acid and who suspect they are pregnant should start at once and continue until week 12 of pregnancy.

GPs should prescribe 5mg of folic acid a day, if they:

have a BMI of 30 or greater, starting at least one month before conception and continuing during the first trimester of pregnancy. See full RCOG guidance on the management of women with obesity in pregnancy
(or their partner) have a neural tube defect
have had a previous baby with a neural tube defect
(or their partner) have a family history of neural tube defects
have diabetes
have sickle-cell anaemia
are taking antiepileptic medicines

Formulary

Neural tube defects (prevention in pregnancy)