Atoms are the building blocks of matter. They are the smallest particles of an element that still have the elementâs properties. Elements are pure substancesâsuch as nickel, hydrogen, and heliumâthat make up all kinds of matter. All the atoms of a given element are identical in that they have the same number of protons, one of the building blocks of atoms.
During pregnancy, take a prenatal vitamin each day that has 600 micrograms of folic acid in it. You need more folic acid during pregnancy to help your baby grow and develop. Your health care provider can prescribe a prenatal vitamin for you. Or you can get prenatal vitamins over the counter without a prescription.
(This is the same as 0.4 to 0.8 mg or milligrams.) That way, if they do become pregnant, their babies will be less likely to have birth defects. Talk with your doctor about how much folic acid you need if: 1  You are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant.2  Pregnant women need 400 to 800 mcg of folic acid in the very early stages of pregnancy often before they know that they are pregnant. 3  A pregnant woman should keep taking folic acid throughout pregnancy. You are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant. 2  Pregnant women need 400 to 800 mcg of folic acid in the very early stages of pregnancy often before they know that they are pregnant. 3  A pregnant woman should keep taking folic acid throughout pregnancy. 4  Women should discuss their folic acid needs with their doctors.