Why is Folic acid important for pregnancy?

You’ve likely been told that folic acid is important if your are pregnant, or considering becoming pregnant. Folic Acid is a Vitamin that can be found in foods and supplements. Folic acid is essential for the development of the fetus, particularly in pregnancy’s first trimester.

Many women have concerns and questions about folic acids during pregnancy. You might want to know how folic-acid deficiency can affect your fetus. How much folic should you consume? What is the best time to start taking it and how should it be consumed?

Three OB/GYNs answered your questions on folic acid during pregnancy.

Prenatal Vitamins

What is Folic acid?

All humans require folic acid, a type of B vitamin. It is used to create new red blood cell in our body. Anemia can be caused by not having enough blood cells. Folic acid can be found in fruits, nuts, and leafy greens. It is used to fortify foods such as bread and cereals, and many vitamin supplements contain it.

Folate is a B vitamin that occurs naturally in foods, whereas folic acid is a manufactured form of folate used as a food fortifier or in vitamin supplements. Folate is the B vitamin that occurs naturally in food, while folic is a synthetic form of folate used in supplements or as a fortifier.

Why do doctors prescribe folic acid before and during pregnancy?

Folic acid is essential for normal baby neurological development, explains Amy Wetter, M.D., board-certified OB-GYN at Pediatrix Medical Group in Atlanta, Georgia. Amy Wetter M.D. explains that folic acid is essential for normal neurological development in babies. She adds that folic acid helps in the formation the neural tube which is the precursor to the brain and spine. Folic acid in adequate amounts can prevent brain and spinal birth defects.

Anisha Farishta M.D. is an OB/GYN at Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital. She says that folic acid, in addition to preventing neural tubes defects, can also help reduce the risks of birth defects such as cleft lips and palates. Dr. Farishta says that folic acid can also help the growth and development the placenta. The placenta provides oxygen and nutrients to the baby. It may also prevent pregnancy complications like preterm labor or preeclampsia.

When to take folic acid supplements

Maggie Richter M.D. is an OB/GYN at McGovern Medical School, UTHealth in Houston. She says that supplementation should begin even before conception. She says that folic acid supplementation is recommended at least one-three months before becoming pregnant, and throughout the entire pregnancy. The first six to eight week of pregnancy is the most crucial time for supplementation, says Dr. Richter. This is when the neural tubes are forming.

Dr. Richter advises anyone who does not use contraception, or is at risk of unplanned pregnancy to take a folic-acid supplement.

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How much folic acid should you take?

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that pregnant women consume 600 micrograms of folate daily. You can also focus on consuming foods that are high in folate.

Some people need to take more folic acid before pregnancy. Some people may require more folic acids, such as those who have had previous pregnancies affected by neural tube defects or are taking certain medications. She adds that it’s crucial to speak to your doctor about the dosage of folic acids recommended for you.

Who shouldn’t take folic acid?

Folic acid is only advised against in very limited circumstances. Dr. Wetter says that most people are able to take folic acids unless they have experienced an allergic reaction in the past. According to Dr. Farishta, people who have a history with certain cancers, seizures and vitamin B12 deficiency may also need to avoid taking folic acids supplements.

Dr. Farishta advises that, as with any supplement or medication, you should consult your health care provider to make an informed choice.

How to take folic acid during pregnancy

ACOG recommends pregnant women consume folic acids in the form of supplements and food fortified in folic, as well fruits and vegetables that are high in folate.

You can choose any vitamin that you like. It’s common for women to feel sick after taking vitamins in early pregnancy. Prenatal vitamins and multivitamins contain 400 mcg folic acid, so these are the best options to get the daily recommended amount, says Dr. Wetter.

There are many food options, particularly for those who suffer from food aversions or morning sickness. Breads, cereals and pastas are all fortified by the FDA with folic acids.

Many foods contain folate (a naturally occurring form folic acid). Dark, leafy vegetables (such as spinach or kale), bananas and lentils are all good sources of folate.

Please contact your OB/GYN for any additional questions regarding folic acid and pregnancy. If you would like to know if there are any supplements that should be taken, or if any specific ones, then please do so.