Folate in pregnancy
Why it matters, when it matters most, and where it comes from.
Folate is called out in 13 of the 42 pregnancy weeks we publish. This page gathers what those weeks say, and links to the full guide with daily amounts.
Requirements differ by country and by person. The guide names the authority behind every figure, and your own doctor or dietitian may advise something different for you.
Why folate matters in pregnancy
Reasons the week-by-week guidance gives: supports neural-tube closure — most critical in weeks 1–12.
- Folate: daily requirement, deficiency signs & food sources — the full guide
The weeks that call for folate
- 1 weeks pregnant — supports neural-tube closure — most critical in weeks 1–12
- 2 weeks pregnant — supports neural-tube closure — most critical in weeks 1–12
- 3 weeks pregnant — supports neural-tube closure — most critical in weeks 1–12
- 4 weeks pregnant — supports neural-tube closure — most critical in weeks 1–12
- 5 weeks pregnant — supports neural-tube closure — most critical in weeks 1–12
- 6 weeks pregnant — supports neural-tube closure — most critical in weeks 1–12
- 7 weeks pregnant — supports neural-tube closure — most critical in weeks 1–12
- 8 weeks pregnant — supports neural-tube closure — most critical in weeks 1–12
- 9 weeks pregnant — supports neural-tube closure — most critical in weeks 1–12
- 10 weeks pregnant — supports neural-tube closure — most critical in weeks 1–12
- 11 weeks pregnant — supports neural-tube closure — most critical in weeks 1–12
- 12 weeks pregnant — supports neural-tube closure — most critical in weeks 1–12
- 13 weeks pregnant — supports neural-tube closure — most critical in weeks 1–12
Common questions
Why does folate matter in pregnancy?
supports neural-tube closure — most critical in weeks 1–12.
Which foods provide folate?
Leafy greens. Being a good source does not by itself make a food right for pregnancy — check food safety too.
What are the signs of low folate?
Megaloblastic anemia. These have many other causes and several are common in pregnancy anyway, so they are a reason to ask for a blood test rather than to self-diagnose.
Show the evidence
Sources: ACOG, WHO, NHS; NIH Office of Dietary Supplements; ICMR-NIN.
This page gathers and links what the individual week and nutrient pages already publish — it introduces no figure they do not carry, and each one names its own source.
Educational reference, not medical advice. Pregnancies and the care offered around them differ; follow the team looking after you.