What is Folic Acid? How is it Beneficial for Pregnant Mothers?

Vitamins are an essential part of a pregnant mother’s diet, and many women start looking for them as soon as they find out they are pregnant. Vitamins help nourish the baby and ensure its health, making it important to consume the right ones. Folic acid is a popular vitamin that doctors often recommend to pregnant women. However, many people still don’t know what folic acid is, what it can prevent, how to supplement it, when to start taking it, how to take it, and if it can be purchased over the counter. This article will answer all of these questions for first-time mothers.

Folic Acid (Vitamin B9) is an important vitamin for women who are planning to conceive or for those who are already pregnant. It helps in the growth and division of cells in the embryo, ensuring proper development within the first 28 days after conception.

Additionally, it helps prevent and reduce neural defects, such as anencephaly (lack of brain tissue) and spina bifida (incomplete closure of the spinal cord) caused by folic acid deficiency. Therefore, it is recommended for women of reproductive age, especially those planning to marry or conceive. They should take 1 folic acid tablet every day for 3 months before pregnancy and continue throughout the first trimester of pregnancy.

When a baby is born with anencephaly (lack of brain) or without a skull, it often leads to death shortly after birth. Babies with spina bifida, a condition involving a defect in the spinal cord, will be permanently disabled. Taking folic acid can help prevent these issues in the fetus and also reduce the risk of neural tube defects.

Another important benefit of folic acid is that it helps lower the risk of cleft lip and palate, miscarriage, or preterm birth. It also helps prevent anemia, heart disease, and stroke in the mother.

Folic acid plays a crucial role in the formation of the neural tube, which develops into the nervous system (the brain and spinal cord), a process that occurs within the first 28 days after conception. It also aids in the synthesis of proteins needed for the production of blood.

Therefore, if a mother is deficient in folic acid, it can lead to fetal disabilities caused by incomplete neural tube development, as well as increase the risk of anemia or low red blood cell count in the mother.

For those planning to have a baby, it is recommended to start taking folic acid or folate 1 to 3 months before conception and continue through the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. This is because in the 3 to 4 weeks after conception, the development of the baby's brain and nervous system occurs continuously, making it an important period for folic acid intake.

Recommended Folic Acid Intake for Pregnant Women

• Before Pregnancy: It is recommended to take 400 micrograms of folic acid per day.

• First 3 Months of Pregnancy: Continue taking at least 400 micrograms per day.

• Months 4 to 9 of Pregnancy (Second and Third Trimester): Increase intake to 600 micrograms per day.

• During Breastfeeding: Take 500 micrograms per day.

Taking too much folic acid can have negative effects and may increase the risk of autism in the baby. If the baby is female, excessive folic acid intake could also raise the risk of developing diabetes and obesity as they grow older.

Broccoli is rich in nutrients, vitamins, and folic acid. One cup of broccoli provides 26% of the daily folic acid requirement for the body.

Spinach is a green leafy vegetable with a high amount of folic acid. Compared to broccoli, spinach contains three times more folic acid, making it ideal for pregnant mothers.

Eggs are not only nutritious but also contain folic acid. One egg contains approximately 44 micrograms of folic acid.

Corn is another food that contains both vitamins and folic acid.

Avocados are nutrient-dense fruits with healthy fats, and they are also a good source of folic acid.

Cantaloupe is a fruit rich in folic acid, making it an excellent choice for pregnant mothers.

Sunflower seeds, apart from being a tasty snack, are also rich in folic acid.

Red beans, which are high in protein, also contain folic acid, making them suitable for pregnant mothers. Other types of beans, such as peanuts, black beans, and hazelnuts, also contain folic acid.

Folic acid is a vitamin that helps in the development of the neural tube in the fetus, reducing the risk of birth defects. It is highly beneficial for pregnant women as it helps reduce the risk of miscarriage, premature birth, and brain blood vessel disorders during pregnancy.

Taking folic acid offers many benefits for both the mother and the baby, but it is not recommended to self-prescribe. It is important to consult with a doctor who can prescribe the appropriate dosage. If any pregnant women have questions, they can inquire further at Line: @beyondivf