What is all the hype about folic acid in pregnancy?

Folic acid can help reduce the risk of neural tube defects; including spina bifida, a birth defect in which the bones of the spine do not form properly around the spinal cord, and anencephaly, a disorder involving the incomplete development of major parts or all of the brain. Because of this, all women of childbearing age should take 0.4mg of folic acid daily. If you cannot consume enough folic acid through your diet, you should take supplements. Foods high in folic acid are: dark leafy greens/vegetables, whole grain bread/cereals, citrus fruits/juices, dried pea/beans and folic acid-fortified breakfast cereals.