Folic Acid Awareness Week (Sept 7–14, 2025) focuses on the importance of daily folic acid supplements for women to prevent birth defects, as diet alone is often insufficient.
There is a growing body of literature to indicate that exposure to certain antiepileptic drugs, most notably valproic acid (VPA, Depakote) during critical periods of development may be associated with long-lasting neurodevelopmental deficits.
We have really enjoyed our weekly virtual rounds. It’s been a great opportunity to meet other perinatal psychiatrists in the community, and discussions with new people always brings up interesting clinical questions. Last week [...]
The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) unequivocally recommends that ALL WOMEN who are either planning or capable of pregnancy take a DAILY SUPPLEMENT containing 0.4 TO 0.8 mg (400-800 µg) OF FOLIC ACID.  [...]
Last week was National Folate Awareness Week. While this post may be a little late, it is never too late to remind women of reproductive age of the importance of taking supplemental folic acid. [...]
While there is research to support the reproductive safety of many antidepressants, many woman and their providers ask about alternatives to traditional antidepressants in women who are pregnant or planning to conceive. Â In a [...]
Because folate deficiency in pregnant women has been associated with an increased risk of neural tube defects, including anencephaly and spina bifida, it is recommended that all women take folic acid supplements before and during [...]
Current research suggests that autism spectrum disorders (ASD) occur as a result of events that take place during pregnancy. Â While genetic factors play an important role, non-heritable risk factors contribute to a substantial proportion of [...]
Mothers exposed to household or agricultural pesticides immediately before and during their pregnancies have a higher risk of having a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Â However, a recent study from California indicates that taking [...]
Neural tube defects are among the most common major congenital anomalies in the United States and are associated with significant disability and death. Â The risk of neural tube defects can be prevented with daily folic [...]
