What is the recommended daily dosage of folic acid during pregnancy to prevent neural tube defects?

During pregnancy, the recommended daily dosage of folic acid to prevent neural tube defects is 400 mcg. This dosage is widely endorsed by health organizations, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). Adequate folic acid intake before conception and during the early stages of pregnancy is crucial for the proper development of the neural tube, which forms the baby's brain and spinal cord.

A dosage of 400 mcg helps to significantly reduce the risk of neural tube defects when taken regularly starting at least one month before conception and continuing throughout the first trimester. This emphasis on prevention is particularly important as neural tube defects can occur very early in pregnancy, often before a woman even knows she is pregnant.

While dosages higher than 400 mcg, such as 600 mcg or 800 mcg, are often recommended for women with certain risk factors (such as a previous neural tube defect or specific medical conditions), the standard recommendation for most pregnant women remains at 400 mcg, making it the correct answer in this context.