Prenatal vitamins

To reduce your risk of having a baby with a neural tube defect (like spina bifida or anencephaly), it’s important to take a prenatal vitamin—especially during the first trimester of pregnancy. Prenatal vitamins are available over-the-counter or as a prescription from your provider. 

Vitamin ingredients

Prenatal vitamins should contain the following:

  • Iron – 30 mg
  • Calcium – at least 250 mg
  • Folate – at least 0.6 mg
  • DHEA or fish oil