prenatal vitamins

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 |2026-09-15T10:47:35-04:00September 16th, 2026|Child Outcomes, Postpartum Psychiatric Disorders, Pregnancy & Medications|Comments Off on Folic Acid Supplementation: When to Start? How Long to Continue?

Iron-Deficiency Anemia During Pregnancy Affects Child’s Brain Development

We often talk about the importance of planning for pregnancy.  In these discussions, we emphasize the importance of supplementation with folic acid as a means of decreasing risk for birth defects and improving neurodevelopmental [...]

By |2020-08-13T16:05:12-04:00October 4th, 2019|Child Outcomes, Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy|Comments Off on Iron-Deficiency Anemia During Pregnancy Affects Child’s Brain Development

You Asked: What Dose of Folic Acid for Pregnant Women Taking Lamotrigine (Lamictal)?

In our community of perinatal psychiatrists, we have recently seen many questions regarding the use of folic acid supplementation in women taking lamotrigine (Lamictal).  While all recognize that all women of childbearing age should receive [...]

By |2025-06-26T09:07:03-04:00July 28th, 2016|Anti-Epileptic Drugs, Outcomes, Pregnancy & Medications, Risk of Malformations|Comments Off on You Asked: What Dose of Folic Acid for Pregnant Women Taking Lamotrigine (Lamictal)?

New Recommendations Call for Iodine in All Prenatal Vitamins

In the developing baby, iodine is necessary for thyroid function and normal brain development. According to a recent Lancet study, even children born to women with mild-to-moderate iodine deficiency during pregnancy are at increased risk for lower IQ and reading ability (assessed at age 9). The most severe effects were observed among children born to women with severe deficiency.

By |2016-07-20T13:33:58-04:00February 24th, 2015|Pregnancy & Medications|Comments Off on New Recommendations Call for Iodine in All Prenatal Vitamins
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