Which group of women should take a higher dose of folic acid during pregnancy?

Women with diabetes are recommended to take a higher dose of folic acid during pregnancy because diabetes can increase the risk of certain birth defects, particularly neural tube defects. Adequate folic acid intake is crucial for the proper development of the fetal nervous system and helps reduce the risk of congenital anomalies. Women with pre-existing diabetes are generally advised to take a higher dose of folic acid before conception and during the first trimester to help mitigate these risks.

The recommendation for higher folic acid dosages specifically stems from research indicating that women with diabetes may have a higher prevalence of certain pregnancy complications and fetal defects compared to those without diabetes. Therefore, implementing a higher folic acid intake is a preventive measure to promote a healthy pregnancy outcome for these women.