neural tube defects - MGH Center for Women's Mental Health

Folic Acid Supplementation: When to Start? How Long to Continue?

Folic acid supplementation before and during early pregnancy substantially reduces the risk of neural tube defects. Emerging research suggests that folic acid may have beneficial effects on neurodevelopment that extend beyond the first trimester. We review the evidence on the timing of folic acid supplementation and findings from the FASSTT randomized controlled trial, which examined whether supplementation during the second and third trimesters was associated with improved cognitive outcomes in children.

By Ruta Nonacs, MD PhD|2026-09-15T10:47:35-04:00September 16th, 2026|Child Outcomes, Postpartum Psychiatric Disorders, Pregnancy & Medications|Comments Off

Should Valproic Acid Be Used in Women of Reproductive Age? Experts Disagree

The use of valproic acid during pregnancy is associated with a significant increase in risk of major malformations and neurodevelopmental disorders. Given these risks, should it be a treatment option for women of childbearing age?

By Ruta Nonacs, MD PhD|2025-06-26T09:07:27-04:00November 2nd, 2022|Pregnancy & Medications, Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy|Comments Off

Essential Reads: Folic Acid, Neural Tube Defects, and Congenital Heart Defects

Despite the unequivocal benefits of folic acid supplementation and recommendations urging all women of reproductive age to take folic acid supplements, preconceptual use of folic acid has not increased substantially.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2022-08-29T14:34:36-04:00August 24th, 2022|Alternative & Complementary, Essential Reads, Outcomes, Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy, Risk of Malformations|Comments Off

Essential Reads: Prenatal Valproate Exposure and Risk of Autism in Children

Prenatal exposure to valproic acid was associated with an increased risk of autism spectrum disorder in exposed children.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2022-03-10T08:47:48-04:00March 9th, 2022|Anti-Epileptic Drugs, Essential Reads, Pregnancy & Medications|Comments Off

Prenatal Exposure to Valproic Acid Linked to Increased Risk for Autism, ADHD

Prenatal exposure to valproate has been associated with an elevated risk (10%) for a broad range of congenital malformations including neural tube defects, as well as adverse neurodevelopmental sequelae, including lower IQ and developmental delays [...]

By Ruta Nonacs, MD PhD|2025-06-26T09:07:37-04:00February 9th, 2021|Anti-Epileptic Drugs, Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Outcomes, Pregnancy & Medications|Comments Off

You Asked: Should Women Taking Lamotrigine (Lamictal) Use Higher Dose of Folic Acid When Planning for Pregnancy?

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 [...]

By Ruta Nonacs, MD PhD|2025-06-26T09:06:59-04:00May 20th, 2020|Anti-Epileptic Drugs, Pregnancy & Medications, Treatment, You Asked|Comments Off

France Bans the Use of Valproic Acid in Some Women of Childbearing Age

There have long been concerns regarding the safety of the anticonvulsant valproate (Depakote) during pregnancy. Back in 2009, the American Academy of Neurology and American Epilepsy Society recommended against the use of valproic acid in [...]

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2017-08-11T08:57:58-04:00August 7th, 2017|Anti-Epileptic Drugs, Outcomes, Pregnancy & Medications, Risk of Malformations|Comments Off

USPSTF Emphasizes Periconceptual Use of Folic Acid to Prevent Birth Defects

Neural tube defects are among the most common major congenital anomalies in the United States and are associated with significant disability and death. The risk of neural tube defects can be prevented with daily folic [...]

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2017-01-13T10:34:56-04:00January 10th, 2017|Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy, Risk of Malformations|Comments Off

Prenatal Antiepileptic Exposure Increases Risk for Malformations: Does High-Dose Folic Acid Reduce Risk?

The CDC, the U.S. Public Health Service, and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) all recommend that every woman of reproductive age get 400 micrograms (400 mcg) or 0.4 milligrams of folic acid [...]

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2016-10-24T09:32:36-04:00October 24th, 2016|Anti-Epileptic Drugs, Outcomes, Pregnancy & Medications, Risk of Malformations|Comments Off

Preliminary Study: Folic Acid Reduces Risk for Autism in Kids Prenatally Exposed to Antiepileptic Drugs

Several studies have observed that fetal exposure to the antiepileptic drug (AED), valproic acid (Depakote), may significantly increase the risk of having a child with an autism spectrum disorder. In contrast, exposures to other AEDs, [...]

By Ruta Nonacs, MD PhD|2025-06-26T09:07:59-04:00August 10th, 2016|Pregnancy & Medications|Comments Off