Safefood is advising all women who are sexually active and could become pregnant to take a folic acid supplement every day.
As approximately half of all pregnancies are unplanned the government body is urging women to take the supplement whether or not they are trying for a baby.
Folic acid is said to help a baby’s spine and brain development along with reducing the risk of defects like spina bifida.
For more information visit the Safefood website.