Folic Acid in Your Pregnancy

A pregnant woman requires a special amount of vitamins in her every day diet to make sure she gives birth to a healthy and happy baby. One of the most essential prenatal vitamins you must take during your pregnancy is folic acid. Folic acid, otherwise known as folate or folacin, is a water soluble B vitamin that is common in green leafy vegetables, poultry, and liver. Without this prenatal vitamin, you and your baby could suffer from serious health consequences.

Folic Acid and NTD’s

Folic acid plays a huge role in the development of the fetal nervous system. In the early stages of pregnancy, the neural tube on the embryo starts to develop spine, brain and skull. Without enough supply of folic acid, this stage of development cannot be completed, resulting to birth defects known as NTD (Neural Tube Defects) -- a major defect in the brain and spine if the babies.

There are two main types of NTD’s: anencephaly and spina bifida. Spina bifida is a disorder wherein the baby suffers from damaged spine, causing a sack of fluid to get trapped in the baby’s back. Babies born with this kind of disorder usually survives full life. However, most of them are unable to move their lower part of their body.

Anencephaly on the other hand, is a condition wherein the skull bones of the baby are not fully formed. Babies born with this kind of brain problem often die before or just after birth. However, by taking adequate amount of folic acid during pregnancy, you can reduce the risks of these NTD’s by up to 70%.

Recommended Requirement

If you are planning to get pregnant, you must take 400 mcg of folic acid (interesting to know is that the Danish term is folinsyre) by using prenatal vitamins. Pregnant women, who are carrying a baby with spina bifida or have spina bifida themselves, must take 4000 mcg of folic acid. The recommended daily requirement for prenatal vitamins may vary from person to person. So consult your doctor to make sure you are getting enough folate for you and your baby.

The Ugly Truth about Folate Deficiency

Prenatal deficiencies can lead to extreme health issues, both for the mother and the baby. If you lack proper amount of folic acid, you and your baby may experience weakness, poor growth, palpitations and behavioral disorder. Folic acid deficiency also causes the calcium stored in your bones to drop, making your bones brittle.

Folic acid is not only important for pregnant women. Children and adults may also benefit from taking enough amount folic acid. If kids have folate deficiency, it can cause slow growth. You may also find it helpful to take folic acid if you are suffering from anemia or heart and liver diseases.

Prenatal care is crucial for expecting women. Those who ate right and took sufficient amount of prenatal vitamins such as folic acid and calcium on their first trimester have shown fewer medical problems and their babies were healthier. Consult your doctor so he can assist you in selecting a prenatal health care provider.