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National Folic Acid Awareness Week, observed during the first full week of January every year, brings much-needed attention to this crucial vitamin that is especially important to women who are either pregnant or may become pregnant. Folic acid is a B vitamin that every cell in the body needs for healthy growth and development. Taken before pregnancy and during early pregnancy, folic acid can help protect baby from developing neural tube defects (NTD).
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment created these graphics and sample posts to help you raise awareness about Folic Acid in Pregnancy. Posts can be customized to include your community-specific information. Hashtag suggestion: #Best4YouBest4Baby
Social Media Graphics and Messages
Post 1
Folic acid is a B vitamin that every cell in the body needs for healthy growth and development. Taken before pregnancy and during early pregnancy, folic acid can help protect baby from developing neural tube defects (NTD) such as anencephaly and spina bifida.
Source: March of Dimes, retrieved from https://www.marchofdimes.org/pregnancy/folic-acid.aspx
Post 2
Taking 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid every day before getting pregnant and during early pregnancy, may help prevent 70% of neural tube defects
Source: March of Dimes, retrieved from https://www.marchofdimes.org/pregnancy/folic-acid.aspx
Post 3
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends all women of reproductive age take 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid each day, in addition to consuming food with folate, to help prevent some major birth defects of the baby’s brain and spine. Foods rich in folate include:
- Dark, leafy vegetables like spinach or kale
- Beans such as lentils and black beans
- Asparagus
- Peas
- Eggs
- Avocados
- Oranges or Orange Juice
- Strawberries
- Bananas
- Melons
Folic Acid Resources
- Baby Center: Folic Acid Benefits During Pregnancy
- March of Dimes: Folic Acid
- Centers for Disease Control: Folic Acid
- Centers for Disease Control: Recommendations: Women & Folic Acid
- Centers for Disease Control: MTHFR Gene, Folic Acid, and Preventing Neural Tube Defects
- Office of Women's Health: Folic Acid
