If you are expecting a healthy baby, it is very important that you are healthy too. One of the most important things that can help prevent your baby from having serious birth defects is to get enough folic acid every day. This is especially important before you get pregnant and during the first few months of pregnancy. So, let's learn more about folic acid today.
What is folic acid?
Simply put, folic acid is a type of B vitamin. More specifically, it's vitamin B9 . It's sometimes called folate, which is the form found naturally in foods. Folic acid is the form that is added to supplements and fortified foods. It's most commonly found in dark green vegetables. For example, broccoli, spinach, and collard greens . It's also found in legumes like beans, peas, green beans, and lentils, and in fortified grains. It's also found in some fruits like oranges and avocados.
What are the benefits of folic acid?
Now you may be wondering, 'Why is folic acid so important?' In fact, every woman who is pregnant or trying to get pregnant should get at least 400 micrograms (400 mcg), or 0.4 milligrams (0.4 mg), of folic acid per day. It is very important to take this before getting pregnant and for at least three months after getting pregnant. Various medical studies have shown that taking folic acid in this way can significantly reduce the risk of serious neural tube defects in the baby, by between 50% and 70%.
Imagine how much protection a small thing can provide for your baby's life!
What are Neural Tube Defects?
Neural tube defects are birth defects that occur when a baby's brain and spinal cord don't develop properly. They often occur in the first few weeks of pregnancy. That means, often before a mother even knows she's pregnant. This is the most dangerous part of the problem. Because by then, the basic structures of the baby's nervous system have already begun to form.
The main types of neural tube defects that can be seen are:
There are several main types of neural tube defects:
- Spina Bifida: This is a condition where the baby's spinal cord and spinal column do not close completely. Specifically, there is a small gap in the spine. The spinal cord and nerves can protrude through this gap. This can cause the baby to have difficulty walking, have problems with urination and bowel control, and have difficulty walking.
- Anencephaly: This is a condition where the baby's skull, scalp, and the front and top of the brain do not develop properly. This is a very serious condition. Such babies usually die in the womb or within a few hours of birth.
- Encephalocele: In this condition, brain tissue protrudes through the skin through a small opening in the skull. This is also a serious condition, and although it can be corrected to some extent with surgery, it can cause long-term problems.
All of these defects occur within the first 28 days of pregnancy. That means, usually before a woman even knows she's pregnant. Imagine how quickly that can happen! That's why we say to start taking folic acid as soon as you start thinking about having a baby.
Why is it said that every woman who is expecting a child should take folic acid?
This is why it is important for all women of childbearing age (usually between 15 and 49 years old) to get enough folic acid. This applies not only to those who are planning to have a child, but also to anyone who is able to get pregnant at any time. Because half (50%) of all pregnancies in the world are unplanned pregnancies. So, if anyone is of childbearing age, it is best to make sure that they are getting enough folic acid. Because by the time you find out you are pregnant, it may be too late.
How does folic acid help prevent these defects?
The exact scientific reason why folic acid prevents neural tube defects is still not 100 percent clear. However, experts do know that it is essential for the growth and repair of genetic material called DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) . DNA is the basic blueprint of our body, which is found in our cells and determines all our characteristics. So, folic acid plays a big role in things like cell growth, cell development, and tissue formation. Since these processes occur very rapidly in the early stages of a baby's development, the need for folic acid is also very high. If that need is not met properly, the aforementioned defects can occur.
How to get enough folic acid?
Now the question is, 'How do we get enough folic acid?' In some countries, for example in the United States, food manufacturers are required by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to add folic acid to their enriched grain products. In Sri Lanka, folic acid is also added to some flours, breads, and cereals in this way. So, you can choose breakfast cereals, breads, pastas, and rice by checking whether they contain a portion of the recommended daily amount of folic acid. This information is usually mentioned on the product label.
However, for many women, getting the daily amount of folic acid they need from fortified foods alone is not enough. To reach the recommended daily level, you often need to take a vitamin supplement . Especially during pregnancy, you need more of all essential nutrients than you did before you got pregnant.
Prenatal vitamins, also known as prenatal vitamins , are not a substitute for a well-balanced diet. That is, you cannot stop eating well and just take vitamins. However, taking prenatal vitamins can help provide your body and your baby with the vitamins and minerals they need. Many prenatal vitamins contain folic acid. Some healthcare providers, such as doctors, recommend taking a folic acid supplement in addition to prenatal vitamins, especially if you have certain risk factors. Therefore, it is best to talk to your doctor about how much folic acid you should take each day. He or she can then decide whether a prescription supplement, an over-the-counter supplement, or both are appropriate for you.
What do you do on special occasions?
There is one more thing. If you have had a baby with a neural tube defect in a previous pregnancy, or if you or your partner have had a similar condition (for example, spina bifida), you should also tell your doctor. If so , your doctor may recommend that you take a higher dose of folic acid than the usual amount (i.e. more than 400 mcg), perhaps 4000 mcg (4mg) or 5000 mcg (5mg) per day. You may also be told to take this higher dose for several months before you become pregnant. Also, people with certain medical conditions, such as diabetes mellitus, epilepsy, and those taking certain medications may need more folic acid. Therefore, it is very important to talk openly with your doctor about your health condition.
In summary (Take-Home Message)
Okay, so let's summarize some of the things you need to remember from what we've talked about.
- Folic acid is essential for a healthy baby's development, especially the development of the brain and spinal cord.
- It is very important for all women who are expecting a baby and are of childbearing age to get 400 micrograms (400 mcg) of folic acid per day . This is essential before getting pregnant and during the first three months of pregnancy.
- Folic acid significantly reduces the risk of serious conditions such as neural tube defects such as spina bifida and anencephaly .
- These defects often occur in the first few weeks of pregnancy, before the mother even knows she's pregnant. That's why it's important to be prepared early.
- In addition to fortified foods, it is very important to take folic acid supplements or prenatal vitamins as directed by your doctor .
- If you or someone in your family has had a history of neural tube defects, or if you have other chronic illnesses, be sure to talk to a doctor for advice.
Remember, your health is the first step to your baby's health. Folic Acid is one of the simplest, cheapest, and most important steps you can take! So, don't neglect this.
` Folic Acid, Pregnancy, Birth Defects, Neural Tube Defects, Vitamin B9, Prenatal Care, Healthy Childbirth, Folic Acid, Pregnancy, Birth Defects, Neural Tube Defects, Prenatal Care
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න