Expecting to become a mother is a very beautiful time in life. Also, during this time, you have to think a lot about the health of both you and the little one in your womb. So today we are talking about something very simple, but very important, that will help you bring your baby into this world healthy. That is folic acid .
Simply put, what is folic acid?
Folic acid is a type of vitamin B. It is a synthetic form of the vitamin called folate, which is naturally produced in our bodies. To be precise, we take folic acid in pill form. We get folate naturally from things like leafy greens and citrus fruits.
This is very important for our body. It is especially essential for the production of red blood cells. But folic acid plays an even bigger role during pregnancy . That is, it helps the neural tube, the main structure where your baby's brain and spinal cord (the nervous system inside the spine) are formed, develop properly. If this is not closed properly, the baby can have serious birth defects.
What is the best time to start taking folic acid?
This is where many people make a mistake. Many people think that once they find out they're going to have a baby, they should start taking folic acid . But that's wrong.
Consider this: Your baby's vital organs, such as the brain and spinal cord, begin to form within the first 3-4 weeks of conception. That is, before you even know you are pregnant. So it is essential that you have adequate folate levels in your body during that crucial time.
That's why doctors recommend that if you're planning to have a baby, you start taking folic acid right from the time you're planning to have one . Some studies have found that mothers who took folic acid at least a year before getting pregnant were able to reduce the risk of having a premature baby by about 50%.
The World Health Organization recommends that all women of childbearing age take folic acid daily. So it's a good idea to start early. If you're already pregnant, it's a good idea to check with your doctor to make sure your prenatal vitamin contains the right amount of folic acid.
How much folic acid should you take per day?
The recommended dosages vary depending on the situation. Your doctor can give you the clearest understanding of this. However, here are the generally recommended dosages:
| Opportunity | Recommended daily amount of folic acid |
|---|---|
| When planning for a child | 400 micrograms (400 mcg) |
| The first 3 months of pregnancy | 400 micrograms (400 mcg) |
| From the 4th to the 9th month of pregnancy | 600 micrograms (600 mcg) |
| During breastfeeding | 500 micrograms (500 mcg) |
An occasion that deserves special attention
If you have previously had a baby with a neural tube defect, your doctor may recommend a higher dose of folic acid (such as 4000 mcg or 4 mg per day) for your next pregnancy. In this special case, you should definitely talk to your doctor and follow his or her advice.
What are the main benefits of taking folic acid?
As we discussed earlier, if the body does not have enough folic acid, the baby's neural tube may not close properly. If this happens, it can cause very serious, lifelong birth defects .
- Spina bifida: This is a condition in which the spinal cord or vertebrae of the spine do not develop properly. This can cause permanent disabilities in the child.
- Anencephaly: This is a condition in which major parts of the brain fail to develop fully. Children with this condition usually do not live long.
These things can be scary to hear. But the good news is that taking folic acid can reduce the risk of neural tube defects by at least 50%. Even if a mother has had a child with this condition before, the risk of having another child with this condition can be reduced by about 70%.
In addition, taking folic acid before and during pregnancy can also protect the baby from conditions such as:
- Cleft lip and palate
- Premature birth
- Low birth weight babies
- Miscarriages
- Impaired growth of the baby in the womb
Folic acid is also beneficial for the mother's health. It has also been suggested that folic acid may help reduce the risk of complications during pregnancy such as preeclampsia, heart disease, stroke, some types of cancer, and Alzheimer's disease.
What foods are rich in folate?
In addition to taking folic acid pills, it is also very important to eat a diet rich in folate.
| Food | Description |
|---|---|
| Dark green vegetables | Things like spinach and kale . |
| Lentils and nuts | Things like lentils, chickpeas, peas, and green beans . |
| Citrus fruit | Fruits such as oranges, tangerines, and limes and their juices. |
| Other foods | Eggs, beef liver, fortified breakfast cereals with added folic acid. |
Take-Home Message
- If you are planning a child, start taking folic acid (400 mcg) daily at least one month before getting pregnant.
- It is extremely important to take folic acid during the first 3 months of pregnancy.
- Taking folic acid can prevent severe birth defects (Neural Tube Defects) that can occur in the baby's brain and spinal cord.
- Always consult your doctor to know the correct folic acid dosage you need and to choose the right type of vitamin for you.
- In addition to taking pills, add natural foods rich in folate, such as spinach, lentils, and oranges, to your diet.
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