Nutrition and lifestyle
Australian guidance is to take folic acid daily for at least one month before conception and through the first three months of pregnancy. A higher dose is recommended for some people, including those with diabetes, a raised BMI, epilepsy medicines or a previous affected pregnancy — check with your GP rather than assuming the standard dose.
Also known as: folate, folic acid supplement
Related Australia guides
Related checklists
Sources
- Pregnancy, Birth and Baby (pregnancybirthbaby.org.au)
- Nutrient Reference Values for Australia and New Zealand, NHMRC (nrv.gov.au)
Last reviewed: 10 September 2026. Written by the Antega Editorial Team. General information only — always follow the advice of your own clinic, doctor or pharmacist.