One of the most important elements that doctors prescribe to maintain the health of the fetus and prevent deformities is folic acid for pregnant women. This element has become an essential part of the doctor’s prescription in the first months, due to its many benefits. It is certain that the pregnant woman needs medical care and additional nutritional supplements, in addition to proper nutrition throughout the months of pregnancy, so in this article we will learn together about folic acid and its importance in the motherhood journey, and the appropriate dose for the pregnant woman.
What is folic acid for pregnant women?
Folic acid for pregnant women is one of the body's essential elements. It is a form of vitamin B9, which is classified as a water-soluble vitamin. It plays a pivotal role in the stages of growth and cellular reproduction, meaning it is linked to cell formation and renewal. The body cannot store folic acid in sufficient quantities for pregnant women, which requires taking it as an additional nutritional supplement with fortified food.
6 of the most important benefits of folic acid for pregnant women
Below we learn about 6 of the most important benefits of folic acid for pregnant women, as it is considered a protective shield in the journey of motherhood, because it works to:
1. Preventing fetal deformities
One of the most important benefits of folic acid is the prevention of congenital malformations of the fetus, especially the formation of the fetus’s neural tube. With a deficiency of folic acid, the fetus may suffer from some defects such as spina bifida and brain defects, which are common risks in the first stage of pregnancy.
2. Support the development of the fetus’s nervous system
Folic acid greatly helps in the formation of nerve cells and the brain in your fetus, which later helps in the development of the child’s mental and cognitive ability.
3. Maintaining the pregnant woman’s health
The vitamin helps in the proper formation of red blood cells, which helps maintain the mother’s health and energy throughout pregnancy, and avoids anemia resulting from folic acid deficiency.
4. Avoid the risks of early miscarriage
The mother must maintain sufficient levels of folic acid in the body as advised by the doctor, in order to avoid the risk of early miscarriage caused by a deficiency of this element.
5. Reducing the risks of multiple pregnancies
Folic acid for pregnant women reduces the possibility of exposure to many risks, such as low fetal weight and weakness, problems with the placenta, which is responsible for nourishing the fetus throughout pregnancy, and the risk of premature birth.
6. Helps in the formation of DNA
Folic acid plays an essential role in cell growth and division during the first months of pregnancy, which contributes to the formation of DNA and the rapid development of the fetus.
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When is it recommended to take folic acid?
There are periods that represent a golden opportunity to take folic acid to get the best benefit from this important vitamin, so doctors recommend taking folic acid in the following stages:
1. Folic acid before pregnancy
Doctors recommend taking folic acid daily at least three months before pregnancy, because starting early to take folic acid increases the possibility of pregnancy and improves the health of the mother and fetus later.
2. The first three months of pregnancy
If the mother discovers that she is pregnant in her first month, she must immediately start taking folic acid from the first day of pregnancy, because it is the basic stage in the formation of the brain and spinal cord of the fetus, and folic acid during this period helps reduce the risk of neural tube defects in the fetus.
3. Some special cases
With some medical conditions, the doctor may decide to increase the dose of folic acid for a pregnant woman and continue throughout the months of pregnancy. These cases include diabetes, taking epilepsy medications, a previous history of giving birth to a child with congenital malformations, pregnant women suffering from severe obesity, or digestive system diseases that reduce the absorption of vitamins.
What is the appropriate dose of folic acid for pregnant women?
The appropriate dose of folic acid for pregnant women is 400 micrograms or a 0.4 mg tablet daily during the first three months of pregnancy. This means that one tablet covers the daily need of the pregnant woman.
However, if the pregnant woman suffers from diabetes, anemia, or epilepsy, the doctor may recommend a higher dose of up to 4 mg per day. In all cases, the dose prescribed by the doctor must be strictly adhered to so that the pregnant woman is not exposed to complications or side effects.
Book your consultation now at مركز صحة المرأة At Al Mousa Specialist Hospital.
What foods are rich in folic acid?
We learned about folic acid in the form of tablets or as an additional nutritional supplement, but did you know, Madam, that there are many foods rich in folic acid, such as:
- Whole grains: the most important of which are brown bread, oatmeal, and cereals fortified with folic acid.
- Fruits: such as oranges, bananas, strawberries, and avocados, which contain a good percentage of folic acid.
- Leafy vegetables: such as arugula, spinach, parsley, and cabbage, which are among the most important sources of folic acid.
- Legumes: They are the best primary source of folic acid, such as lentils, chickpeas, beans, and peanuts.
- Natural nuts and seeds: These include the well-known sunflower seeds and almonds, which provide the body with good doses.
- Cooked liver: Well-cooked liver is one of the best animal sources of folic acid, but it should be consumed in moderation during the months of pregnancy, and it is preferable to consult a doctor first.
Learn about: When does the gender of the fetus appear? A defining moment that excites all mothers
6 of the most dangerous side effects when taking too much folic acid
Beware of excessive intake of folic acid during pregnancy, and be careful with the dose that your doctor prescribes for you, because increasing the dose leads to many side effects, we learn about 6 of them:
- Hide the symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency due to high doses, which leads to nerve damage and brain problems.
- Increased risk of health problems such as immune problems or some types of tumors.
- Sleep disturbances and insomnia, along with poor concentration and a constant feeling of restlessness.
- Gastrointestinal disturbance such as persistent nausea with bloating, and stomach upset.
- Exposure to skin rashes and irritation due to an allergic reaction to the high dose.
- Negative impact on the neurological development of the fetus due to nutritional imbalance.
Frequently asked questions
Follow along with us, my dear, the most important questions we receive on our website about folic acid for pregnant women:
What is the best type of folic acid for pregnant women?
The best type of folic acid for pregnant women is prescribed by the doctor who is monitoring your condition. He usually chooses the supplement with a concentration of 400 micrograms for daily use, and it must be easy-to-absorb tablets approved by a reliable pharmaceutical organization.
Does folic acid help conceive with twins?
No, there is no scientific evidence or studies proving that folic acid helps to conceive twins. Rather, it mainly works to support cell formation and reduce the possibility of fetal deformity, and it may sometimes help with the chances of pregnancy if it is taken during ovulation periods.
When to take folic acid before or after eating?
Some doctors prefer to take folic acid after eating to reduce stomach irritation in the first months of pregnancy, but in general there is nothing preventing taking the tablet before eating. It is up to the pregnant woman what suits her and how she feels after taking the supplement.
Doctors at Al-Mousa Specialist Hospital in Al-Ahsa advise pregnant women to take folic acid, especially in the first months of pregnancy. The doctors provide you with a comprehensive prescription for your health and the health of your fetus that will help you get through this period safely. All you have to do when you discover your pregnancy is to contact Al-Moussa clinics on the numbers shown or through our website to begin the journey of motherhood without fear.
Sources..
Folic Acid and Pregnancy – webmd
