Folic Acid

I have been on the oral contraceptive pill for the last 10 years and my husband and I are now thinking of trying for a baby. I understand the need to use condoms until I have had a "true period" and also realise the importance of taking multivitamins and minerals with folic acid prior to trying to conceive, throughout pregnancy and after. My friend has told me, however, that I should take multivitamins and minerals with folic acid for at least 3 months prior to trying to conceive. Is it necessary to wait this long before trying to conceive?

It is recommended that women take folic acid for three months prior to conception, to help protect against neural tube defects such as Spina Bifida. If you have a healthy diet with lots of green vegetables and if you eat cereal for breakfast you may well be having as much as you need; many breakfast cereals are fortified with folic acid.