Each year in the U.S., 2,500 babies are born with neural tube defects (NTDs). These include such conditions as spina bifida and anencephaly, which can lead to paralysis or even early childhood death.

Fortunately, many of these birth defects can be avoided by simply remembering to take a multivitamin every day. A daily dose of 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid before pregnancy and 800 mcg during pregnancy is all it takes.
So remember, take your folic acid every day. It's the one thing you can't forget.