What is folic acid for in pregnancy? Guide to its use before and during pregnancy
Table of contents:
- What is folic acid for in pregnancy?
- The reason for using folic acid in pregnancy
- 1- Prevention of neural tube defects (NTDs)
- 2- Fetal brain and spinal cord development
Before Blood - 3- Reducing the risk of pregnancy problems
- 5- Prevention of congenital defects related to the heart of the fetus
- Forums related to this article
What is folic acid for in pregnancy?
Our body naturally needs folic acid to produce red blood cells and prevent certain types of anemia. This nutrient, known as vitamin B9, is essential for the production of new cells and DNA function. Taking folic acid during pregnancy is more important than ever. Because this vitamin reduces the chance of fetal abnormalities such as serious neural tube defects. Therefore, experts recommend that pregnant women should take folic acid before and during pregnancy. consume.
Learn more:Folic Acid: Benefits, Side Effects and Recommended Dosage
The reason for taking folic acid during pregnancy
The use of this supplement before and during pregnancy is recommended for important reasons and it plays a vital role in the health of the mother and fetus. These reasons include the following:
1- Prevention of neural tube defects (NTDs)
Folic acid can significantly reduce the risk of neural tube defects such as spina bifida and anencephaly. These defects usually occur in the first few weeks of pregnancy.. For this reason, it is very necessary to take folic acid before pregnancy and in the first months.
2- Brain and spinal cord development of the fetus
Folic acid helps the proper growth and development of the brain and spinal cord of the fetus.... This vitamin is necessary for cell division and DNA formation, and it causes the proper development of the fetus in the first months of pregnancy.
Learn more:Why is folic acid recommended during menstruation?
3- prevention of anemia
Another important aspect of folic acid consumption during pregnancy is the prevention of a special type of anemia called megaloblastic anemia in the mother. Anemia can negatively affect pregnancy by causing fatigue, weakness and other problems. Therefore, taking the right dose of folic acid during this period is necessary for the health of the mother.
4- Reducing the risk of pregnancy problems
Folic acid, as an essential vitamin for the body, can reduce the possibility of pre-eclampsia (increased blood pressure during pregnancy)... this food also plays an important role in preventing premature birth.
5- Prevention of congenital defects related to the fetal heart
Some studies show that if the mother takes folic acid supplements during pregnancy, the risk of birth defects related to the heart of the fetus is reduced.... This birth defect occurs when the blood vessels or heart of the child do not develop normally before birth..
What is the importance of taking folic acid before pregnancy?
Some studies have shown that folic acid can improve the quality of eggs and increase the chance of successful fertilization....so it can be said that taking this vitamin before pregnancy helps to improve the fertility process.
Permissible amount of folic acid consumption during pregnancy and before it
Pregnant women should consume 400 micrograms of folic acid daily. Sometimes doctors determine that this amount of folic acid should be increased to 600 micrograms in pregnant women. The best time to consume this vitamin is from three months before pregnancy to 12 weeks after pregnancy. Get folic acid as a supplement or through your diet.
Learn more:What foods contain folic acid?
In some situations, women may need more folic acid during pregnancy, including:
- Birth history of a baby with neural tube defect
- Consumption of certain drugs such as anticonvulsants
- You suffer from diabetes or intestinal diseases
- Excessive weight gain
- Twin or multiple pregnancy
The best guide to determine the appropriate dose of this vitamin is to consult with a gynecologist and obstetrician... The doctor can determine the best dose and duration of folic acid consumption based on the specific conditions of each person.
How long should folic acid be taken during pregnancy?
If you are wondering how long you should take folic acid during pregnancy, we have to say that experts recommend that it is better to take this vitamin until the end of the first trimester of pregnancy, which is the twelfth week of pregnancy.
Learn more:What is an iron pill?
What are the consequences of excessive consumption of folic acid during pregnancy?
High consumption of folic acid during pregnancy may cause complications and problems, which include the following:
- Hiding symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency is one of the side effects of taking too much folic acid.
- Some studies have shown that the brain changes caused by excessive consumption of folic acid during pregnancy are the same as the brain changes caused by its deficiency.. But the results of these studies have not yet been fully confirmed and more research is needed.
- Excessive consumption of this vitamin during pregnancy can cause digestive problems such as nausea, bloating and diarrhea.
- Although it is very rare, there is a possibility that taking too much folic acid can have negative effects on the fetus.
A brief look at the use of folic acid in pregnancy
Consumption of folic acid during pregnancy is recommended by experts as one of the essential nutritional supplements... This supplement plays an important role in preventing fetal abnormalities such as neural tube defects... Although experts have always emphasized the importance of folic acid consumption during pregnancy, there are many uncertainties about the effectiveness and the required amount of this supplement for pregnant women..
In this article from GCORP LLC magazine, we have shared with you a guide to folic acid consumption during pregnancy and before it.... If you have more questions in this field, you can consult the best specialist doctors, including gynecologists and obstetricians, on the GCORP LLC website..
Learn more:What are iron-rich foods?
Also, GCORP LLC allows you to make an appointment with the doctor of your choice through the online appointment system for face-to-face consultation or online gynecologist consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Prevention of neural tube defects, proper development of the brain and spinal cord, prevention of maternal anemia, reduction of pregnancy risks such as preeclampsia, prevention of congenital defects related to the heart, reduction of the possibility of cleft lip
Women before pregnancy need 400 micrograms of folic acid daily, and this dose during pregnancy usually reaches 600 micrograms per day under the supervision of a doctor.
This supplement cannot be taken at a certain time or cannot be taken at a certain time.
Studies show that taking this supplement helps reduce infertility, the risk of miscarriage, and the success of infertility treatment... This is why experts often prescribe folic acid supplements along with infertility treatment.
If we don't take folic acid during pregnancy, the probability of neural tube defects in the fetus increases... Therefore, experts consider it necessary to take folic acid supplements before pregnancy and in the first trimester of pregnancy.
Forums related to this article
- Do you have to fast for a pregnancy blood test?
- Does eating onions during pregnancy make the fetus ugly?
- Do you take lamotrigine with folic acid 1 during pregnancy?
Sources: sciencedirec | NCBI | ods
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