Systematic prescription of vitamin B9 is recommended from the moment a woman plans to become pregnant through the first two months of pregnancy. This vitamin, also known as “folic acid” or “folates,” reduces the risk of poor fetal growth and certain birth defects in the unborn baby. This brochure informs women about the role and importance of this vitamin and encourages them to ask a healthcare professional to prescribe it as soon as they are planning to become pregnant. It also reminds readers that a varied and balanced diet, as well as certain specific foods, provide significant amounts of vitamin B9.