Before or after becoming pregnant, you may have started taking prenatal vitamins or folic acid supplements. Folic acid is an important nutrient that helps reduce the risk of neural tube defects during pregnancy. It’s well known that folic acid supports the health of a baby during pregnancy, and now researchers are trying to understand if it can help prevent postpartum depression (PPD).

Postpartum depression is characterized by feelings of sadness, hopelessness, fatigue, and difficulty bonding with the baby. It goes beyond the typical “baby blues” and requires medical attention. PPD affects mothers after giving birth, as well as trans and nonbinary birth parents, fathers, and other nonbirthing parents.

While a range of factors contribute to PPD, including hormonal changes, sleep deprivation, and preexisting mental health conditions, there has been a growing interest in the role of nutrients, particularly folic acid, in preventing or reducing the risk of PPD. Let’s explore the evidence about folic acid and PPD.

Why Is Folic Acid Recommended During Pregnancy?

Folic acid is a synthetic (lab-made) form of folate, a B vitamin (B9) found in some foods. This vitamin is important for cell division and the formation of genetic material, such as DNA and RNA. This makes folic acid essential for the development of a healthy baby during pregnancy.

Preventing Neural Tube Defects

The best-known reason for folic acid supplementation during pregnancy is its proven ability to prevent neural tube defects such as spina bifida and anencephaly (a condition in which the baby is born without parts of the brain and skull) in the growing fetus. Research has shown that taking at least 400 micrograms of folic acid daily before conception and during early pregnancy can significantly reduce the risk of these birth defects. As a result, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other health organizations recommend folic acid supplements for all women of childbearing age.

Additional Benefits During Pregnancy

Folic acid also contributes to red blood cell production and helps prevent anemia (insufficient red blood cells) during pregnancy. It also supports the healthy development of the placenta and may reduce the risk of other pregnancy complications like preeclampsia. These benefits make folic acid a cornerstone of prenatal care.

Could Folic Acid Help Prevent PPD?

Because folic acid plays a role in brain development and mood regulation, researchers have investigated whether it could also help prevent PPD. While the findings are promising, they are not yet conclusive.

The Link Between Folate Levels and Depression

Low folate levels have been associated with an increased risk of depression, possibly due to the vitamin’s impact on chemicals in the brain which regulate mood. This connection has spurred interest in whether folic acid supplementation during pregnancy could reduce the risk of postpartum depression.

Research Findings

A study published in 2017 suggests that folic acid could protect against PPD. Researchers found that pregnant women who took folic acid for at least six months or more during pregnancy had a reduced risk of PPD at 6 to 12 weeks after delivery.

A larger study in 2022 found that taking folic acid throughout pregnancy could lower the chances of developing PPD.

However, not all studies have reached the same conclusion. One study of 629 women in 2024 did not find a strong link between folic acid and rates of PPD. Other, smaller studies were also unable to confirm a clear connection.

One reason for the mixed results could be differences in how the studies were done. Factors like the size of the study, the types of people involved, genetic factors, doses of folic acid, and how the folate levels were measured may have influenced the findings.

Additionally, most of the studies on folic acid and PPD are observational. This means they can show patterns, but they do not prove that folic acid directly prevents PPD.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not currently recommend taking folic acid for preventing PPD due to lack of strong evidence, and further research is needed before they will make a definitive recommendation.

Most multivitamin supplements found over the counter contain folic acid, and they are safe for most people to take at the recommended daily allowance (400 micrograms per day for people 19 and older). Some people continue to take their prenatal vitamin (which contains folic acid) after they have their baby. If you are thinking about taking folic acid, it is important that you discuss it with your doctor so that they can help you determine if taking folic acid is the right choice for you.

Can You Prevent Postpartum Depression?

While PPD cannot always be prevented, there are proactive steps you can take to reduce your risk.

Know Your Risk Factors

Awareness is key. If you have a history of depression or other risk factors, share this information with your doctor or midwife early in your pregnancy. Sharing your risk factors with your partner will also help ensure your loved ones are on the lookout for signs of PPD after birth.

Build a Support Network

Surround yourself with supportive family, friends, and healthcare providers who can help you navigate the challenges of parenthood. No matter if it’s your first child or your fifth, each birth brings unique and surprising challenges that can be easier to manage with help.

Develop a Postpartum Plan

Work with your healthcare team to create a plan that includes self-care strategies, realistic expectations, and resources for mental health support. This plan might include focusing on a healthy diet and setting goals for getting adequate sleep and exercise. Frequent check-ins with your healthcare team will ensure open lines of communication throughout the process.

Seek Help Early

If you experience symptoms of PPD, don’t wait to seek help. Treatments like therapy, medication, and support groups can make a significant difference.

If you or someone you love is having thoughts of harming yourself or others, dial 988 to reach the National Suicide and Crisis Line, which can connect you with people and resources that can help.

PPD is treatable, and with the right support, you can recover and thrive as a parent.

Find Your Team

MyDepressionTeam is the social network for people living with all types of depression, including postpartum depression, and their loved ones. Members come together to ask questions, offer support and advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with PPD.

Did you know about the risk factors for postpartum depression before your baby was born? Do you have any advice for others managing these risks? Share your experience, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.