Pregnancy is a crucial stage in a woman’s life. When you are expecting, you need to take care of yourself more than ever to ensure that your baby is healthy. It is important to provide all the necessary nutrients that your developing fetus needs.

One of the most crucial vitamins that expectant mothers need is folic acid. Folic acid, a B-vitamin, is essential for the proper development of your baby’s brain and spine.

What Is Folic Acid?

Folic acid is a vitamin B9, and it is the synthetic version of folate, a vitamin found in food. It is a water-soluble vitamin that supports the growth and development of healthy cells and tissues.

It plays a pivotal role in the production of red blood cells and the formation of the neural tube during embryonic development.

Why Is Folic Acid Important During Pregnancy?

Folic acid plays an important role during pregnancy as it helps your baby’s neural tube to develop correctly. The neural tube is the part of the embryo that develops into the brain and spinal cord.

When the neural tube does not form correctly, there can be serious birth defects. Some of the most common neural tube defects include spina bifida, which is an incomplete closure of the spinal column, and anencephaly, a severe birth defect where the brain does not fully develop.

How Much Folic Acid Do You Need During Pregnancy?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all women of reproductive age should take at least 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid per day.

During pregnancy, it’s important to increase your daily intake to 600 mcg because taking folic acid early on in pregnancy can reduce the risk of neural tube defects in your baby. If you have a family history of neural tube defects, have previously had a baby with a neural tube defect, or are taking medication for epilepsy, you may need a higher dose of folic acid.

Your doctor will advise you on the correct dosage for your individual needs.

When Should You Start Taking Folic Acid?

If you are planning to get pregnant, it is a good idea to start taking folic acid at least one month before trying to conceive. This helps to build up the necessary levels of folic acid in your body.

If your pregnancy was unplanned, you should start taking folic acid as soon as you find out that you are pregnant. Neural tube defects can occur as early as three weeks after conception, so it’s important to have enough folic acid in your system as soon as possible.

Sources of Folic Acid

The good news is that folic acid is easy to find, and it’s available in many everyday foods. Some good sources of folic acid include:.

Leafy green vegetables, such as spinach, kale, broccoli
Fruits, such as oranges, strawberries, and raspberries
Beans, peas, and lentils
Peanuts
Foods fortified with folic acid, such as bread, pasta, and cereal

Folic Acid Supplements During Pregnancy

Although you can get folic acid from your diet, it can be challenging to get enough folic acid from food alone, especially during pregnancy. That’s why many doctors recommend folic acid supplements during pregnancy.

They are a safe and effective way to ensure that you get enough folic acid to support the growth and development of your baby. Your doctor will prescribe supplements based on your individual needs and health history.

Risks Associated with Folic Acid Deficiency

Folic acid deficiency can lead to a variety of health problems, including:.

Anemia
Nerve damage
Growth problems in the fetus
Birth defects
High blood pressure during pregnancy

In Conclusion

Folic acid is a vital nutrient that plays an essential role during pregnancy. It helps to support the growth and development of your baby by promoting healthy cell and tissue growth.

Taking folic acid supplements before and during pregnancy can help to reduce the risk of neural tube defects in your baby. It’s also important to eat a healthy, balanced diet rich in folic acid to support your pregnancy and ensure that you and your baby stay healthy.