Do I Need to Take Folic Acid After 12 Weeks?

Folic acid is one of the most important nutrients in early pregnancy, but many women wonder if it’s still necessary beyond the first trimester. In this article, we’ll explore why folic acid is recommended for the first 12 weeks, what happens after that point, and whether continuing supplementation offers any added benefit.

Why Is Folic Acid Important In Early Pregnancy?

Folic acid (the synthetic form of folate, a B-vitamin) plays a key role in the formation of the neural tube—a structure that later develops into the baby’s brain and spinal cord. Neural tube defects like spina bifida typically occur in the very early stages of pregnancy, often before many women even know they’re pregnant.

Because the neural tube closes around week 4–6 of gestation, folic acid supplementation is most critical in the first trimester—ideally starting before conception and continuing through the first 12 weeks.

What Happens At 12 Weeks?

By 12 weeks, the neural tube has usually fully developed and closed. This is why NHS and other global health guidelines recommend taking 400 micrograms of folic acid daily until the end of week 12.

After 12 weeks, your baby's major organs are forming, and the nutritional focus begins to shift to other vitamins and minerals that support growth—such as calcium, iron, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids.

Should You Stop Taking Folic Acid After 12 Weeks?

Folic acid is most crucial during the period before conception and the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, as it helps prevent neural tube defects in your baby. After this time, the need for folic acid decreases significantly.

"Folic acid is most critical before conception and during the first trimester to prevent neural tube defects. After this stage, the focus shifts to other nutrients that support your baby’s growth and development." — Professor Mark Johnson, Consultant Obstetrician & Founder of Nurture

NurtureMulti reflects this guidance by stopping folic acid supplementation after 12 weeks. Instead, it focuses on providing other important nutrients to support your body and your baby’s development throughout the rest of your pregnancy.

However, if you are at risk of anaemia or your doctor advises otherwise, you may be recommended to continue folic acid beyond the first trimester. Always follow the advice of your healthcare professional.

Are There Risks To Taking Folic Acid For Too Long?

Folic acid is water-soluble, meaning excess amounts are usually excreted in urine. For most people, it would be safe to continue taking the recommended dose throughout pregnancy. However, extremely high doses (above 1mg per day, unless medically advised) over long periods may mask symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency.

Always follow your doctor or midwife’s guidance and stick to the recommended amount unless advised otherwise.

Need a supplement that adapts with your journey? Explore NurtureMulti, our expertly formulated pregnancy multivitamin, designed to support you before, during, and after pregnancy.