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Folic Acid in Pregnancy: Why Take It
October 9, 2023
Folic acid is an essential substance for all women who are planning a pregnancy or are already expecting. It is a B-group vitamin, also known as vitamin B9 or folate, essential for the growth and development of the fetus.
Taking folic acid before conception and during the first months of pregnancy is a recommendation that many gynecologists give to expectant mothers, as this nutrient helps to reduce the risk of congenital malformations, particularly those affecting the baby's brain and spinal cord.
Throughout this article, we will further explore the role of folic acid during pregnancy and examine how to supplement it properly in the case of a deficiency, helping you understand why this vitamin is so important for the health of both mother and baby.
The Role of Folic Acid in Pregnancy
Folic acid is an essential vitamin during pregnancy as it supports and protects embryonic development from the very earliest stages. This vitamin is involved in fundamental processes such as protein and DNA synthesis, which are essential for cell growth and division.
Additionally, it contributes to the formation of hemoglobin, which is needed to transport oxygen throughout the body, including the developing tissues of the baby.
Therefore, it is crucial that the embryo finds an adequate amount of folic acid in the mother's body to develop properly and go through the initial delicate phases of growth in a healthy way.
Taking Folic Acid Before Pregnancy: Why?
Taking folic acid before pregnancy is a fundamental step to reduce the risk of congenital defects associated with the baby’s nervous system. Our body does not naturally produce this vitamin B9, but during the first weeks of embryonic development, the fetus has a high demand for it and draws from the mother's reserves.
Often, the woman may not yet know she is pregnant, but the embryo has already started to use folic acid for its development. This vitamin is essential for preventing neural tube defects, such as spina bifida and anencephaly, and is also useful in reducing the risk of congenital heart defects, cleft lip, and cleft palate.
How Long to Take Folic Acid in Pregnancy?
To obtain the maximum benefits from folic acid, it is recommended to take folic acid throughout pregnancy. Specifically, it is advisable to start taking it at least three months before conception and, once pregnancy begins, to continue taking it until the third monthof gestation.
How Much Folic Acid to Take During Pregnancy
In pregnancy, it is advised to take a dosage of folic acid of 0.4 milligramsfor at leastthree months before conception and during the first trimester of pregnancy. During gestation, however, the recommended amount doubles as the fetus continues to rely on the mother’s reserves for its development.
After childbirth, if the mother decides to breastfeed, she should take approximately 0.5 mg of folic acid daily to make up for the amount transferred to the newborn through breast milk.
Folic Acid Deficiency During Pregnancy: Consequences
Folate deficiency during pregnancy can have significant consequences for both mother and baby. When the levels of this vitamin are too low, the body produces red blood cells that are larger than normal and less efficient, leading to a malfunction that can result in anemia.
This condition can further weaken the mother, affecting her health and energy throughout pregnancy. But the risks don’t stop there: an inadequate folic acid intake can also compromise the baby’s nervous system development, increasing the risk of congenital malformations such as spina bifida, a defect in vertebrae closure that exposes the spinal cord to varying degrees of malformation, and anencephaly, a rare but severe condition that prevents the proper development of the brain and skull.
Ensuring an adequate folic acid intake is therefore essential to prevent these issues and support a healthy pregnancy.
How to Supplement Folic Acid During Pregnancy?
Supplementing folic acid throughout pregnancy is essential to support the mother’s health and ensure the proper development of the fetus. This nutrient can be naturally obtained through a diet rich in foods that contain vitamin B9, such as artichokes, asparagus, broccoli, cauliflower, lettuce, spinach, and other leafy green vegetables.
Legumes, citrus fruits, kiwi, strawberries, nuts, wheat germ, brewer’s yeast, whole grains, cheese, and eggs are also valuable sources. It is advisable, however, to avoid consuming liver and organ meats, which have specific warnings for pregnancy.
To ensure a constant daily intake, in addition to diet, taking supplements can be an effective solution. At RedMoringa, we have developed a supplement with 400 mcg of folic acid per dose, enhanced with moringa, a plant rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
This unique combination not only provides the daily requirement of vitamin B9 for pregnant women but also improves nutrient absorption, supporting the development of the fetal neural tube and contributing to the growth of maternal tissues.
Supplement your folic acid intake with our innovative formula and discover the benefits of a product designed for your well-being and that of your baby throughout pregnancy.