WOMEN’S KNOWLEDGE LEVELS ABOUT FOL？C ACID USE AND PRECONCEPTIONAL FOLIC ACID USE AMONG WOMEN

In the days following the conception, neural tube forms in the embryo and closes at the end of the 4th week. It is not possible to complete the formation of the neural tube in some situations that exact cause is unknown, but many factors seem to play role together, and severe congenital anomalies called neural tube defects occur. Generally women are not aware of their pregnancy in the first few weeks that embryonic development is critical. For this reason, folic acid use is important before pregnancy. Folic acid, one of the water-soluble group B vitamins, has been found to facilitate the cell cycle, which is extremely critical in closing the neural tube. It has been proven by randomized controlled trials that folic acid use before pregnancy and during the first 3 months of gestation reduces neural tube defects up to 70%. Despite its role in preventing congenital anomalies, folic acid use rates in the preconceptional period are inadequate. In our study, it was aimed to examine women’s knowledge levels about folic acid use, and preconceptional folic acid use among women