Pregnancy is a time of great joy and responsibility. As soon as a woman finds out she is pregnant, she begins to make changes to her lifestyle to ensure the health of her growing baby.

One important change she can make is to increase her intake of folic acid.

What is Folic Acid?

Folic acid is a B vitamin that is essential for the healthy growth and development of a fetus. It plays a vital role in the formation of the brain and spinal cord, and helps to prevent birth defects such as spina bifida.

Folic acid is also important for the production of red blood cells, which helps to prevent anemia in both the mother and the developing fetus.

How Much Folic Acid Should Pregnant Women Take?

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that all women of childbearing age consume 400-800 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid daily. During pregnancy, the recommended daily amount increases to 600-800 mcg.

Women who have had a previous pregnancy affected by a neural tube defect should consult with their healthcare provider about taking a higher dose of folic acid.

Food Sources of Folic Acid

Folic acid is found naturally in many foods such as dark leafy greens, asparagus, broccoli, citrus fruits, beans, and peas. Some breakfast cereals and breads are also fortified with folic acid.

However, it can be difficult to get enough folic acid through diet alone, especially during pregnancy. That is why prenatal vitamins containing folic acid are recommended for all pregnant women.

The Benefits of Folic Acid

There are many benefits to taking folic acid during pregnancy, including:.

Preventing Birth Defects

Folic acid is essential for the healthy development of the brain and spinal cord. Studies have shown that taking folic acid before and during pregnancy can reduce the incidence of neural tube defects by up to 70%.

Neural tube defects are serious birth defects that affect the brain, spine, or spinal cord.

Reducing the Risk of Preterm Birth

Preterm birth is defined as giving birth before 37 weeks of pregnancy. Preterm birth can lead to a number of health problems for the baby, such as low birth weight, respiratory distress syndrome, and developmental delays.

Studies have shown that taking folic acid during pregnancy can reduce the risk of preterm birth.

Preventing Anemia

Folic acid plays a vital role in the production of red blood cells, which carry oxygen to the body’s tissues. Anemia is a condition in which the body does not have enough red blood cells to carry oxygen.

Anemia can cause fatigue, weakness, and difficulty breathing. Taking folic acid during pregnancy can help prevent anemia in both the mother and the developing fetus.

Reducing the Risk of Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is a serious pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and damage to organs, such as the liver and kidneys.

Preeclampsia can lead to serious health complications for both the mother and the baby, including premature birth and low birth weight. Studies have shown that taking folic acid during pregnancy can reduce the risk of developing preeclampsia.

Improving Pregnancy Outcomes

Taking folic acid during pregnancy can lead to improved pregnancy outcomes, such as a reduced risk of miscarriage and stillbirth. Miscarriage is defined as the loss of a pregnancy before the 20th week.

Stillbirth is defined as the loss of a pregnancy after the 20th week.

Conclusion

In conclusion, folic acid is an essential nutrient for the healthy growth and development of a fetus.

Taking folic acid before and during pregnancy can help prevent birth defects, reduce the risk of preterm birth, prevent anemia, reduce the risk of preeclampsia, and improve pregnancy outcomes. All pregnant women should speak with their healthcare provider about taking a prenatal vitamin containing folic acid.