Primary and Secondary Prevention of Neural Tube Defects (1994)

All women of childbearing age should be advised to increase their consumption of folic acid through diet or supplementation to 0.4 mg/d beginning 1 month before pregnancy and ending at the start of the second trimester.
MSAFP screening is recommended in low-risk pregnancies only when it is part of a screening program that includes access to all necessary diagnostic services.
High-risk women should be referred to genetic counselling before they plan a pregnancy.