A woman planning pregnancy is taking an antiepileptic drug. What dose of folic acid is recommended before conception and in the first trimester?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. 5 mg daily
- Step 1: Folic acid reduces the risk of neural tube defects, and certain risk factors raise the dose. Step 2. Women taking antiepileptic drugs, with diabetes, a BMI of 30 or more, or a previous affected pregnancy, are advised a higher dose of 5 mg. Answer: 5 mg daily. Why not the others: 400 micrograms is the standard dose for women without risk factors. The other doses are not recommended.
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