Pregnancy is an important and exciting time in a woman’s life. As an expectant mother, you want to ensure that your baby’s growth and development is healthy and smooth.

One of the essential nutrients that you should consume during pregnancy is folic acid. Folic acid, also known as folate, is a B vitamin that helps form the neural tube in your growing baby. It is essential for healthy fetal development and reduces the risk of certain birth defects.

What is Folic Acid?

Folic acid is a water-soluble B vitamin that is essential for cell growth. It is necessary to produce healthy red blood cells, tissues, and DNA.

Folic acid plays an important role in the development of the neural tube that eventually becomes the baby’s brain, spinal cord, and other neural tissues. Without enough folic acid, the neural tube may not close correctly, ultimately leading to birth defects like spina bifida.

Why is Folic Acid Important During Pregnancy?

Folic acid is crucial during pregnancy because it helps the formation of important neural tissues such as the brain and spinal cord. Neural tube defects (NTDs) are the most common birth defects that affect these areas.

Spina bifida is one type of NTD that can cause physical and mental disabilities. Folic acid can reduce the risk of NTDs by up to 50%, especially when taken three months before becoming pregnant and during the first trimester.

How Much Folic Acid Do Pregnant Women Need?

The recommended dose of folic acid is 400 micrograms (mcg) per day for non-pregnant women of childbearing age. Pregnant women should take at least 600 mcg of folic acid daily, and women carrying twins or more should take 800 mcg of folic acid per day.

Some women may require a higher dose if they have a history of NTDs or have had a previous pregnancy that had an NTD.

When Should Pregnant Women Start Taking Folic Acid?

The best time to start taking folic acid is at least one month before becoming pregnant. This gives your body enough folic acid to form the neural tube properly before you even know you’re pregnant.

If you are already pregnant and have not been taking folic acid, start as soon as possible. It’s never too late to start taking folic acid during pregnancy, even up to the 12th week of pregnancy.

What Are Good Sources of Folic Acid?

Foods that are high in folic acid include leafy green vegetables such as spinach and kale, beans and lentils, asparagus, avocado, broccoli, peanuts, and fortified cereals.

However, it can be challenging to get enough folic acid through diet alone, especially if you’re pregnant. This is why taking a supplement that contains folic acid is important.

What Are the Risks of Not Getting Enough Folic Acid During Pregnancy?

Not getting enough folic acid during pregnancy can lead to NTDs in your unborn baby. NTDs are more common among women who are overweight or have diabetes, take certain medications, or have a history of previous NTDs in their families.

However, you can reduce the risk of NTDs by taking enough folic acid during pregnancy.

When Is Folic Acid Supplementation Not Recommended?

If you have been diagnosed with epilepsy, please consult with your doctor before taking folic acid supplements. Some anti-epileptic medications may interact with folic acid, leading to seizures.

Conclusion

Folic acid is an essential nutrient during pregnancy that plays a significant role in fetal development. Women who are pregnant or planning to conceive should ensure they are getting enough folic acid each day.

While it’s possible to get folic acid from food sources, taking a supplement is the best way to ensure you’re getting enough. If you’re unsure about how much folic acid you need, speak to your healthcare provider.