Folic Acid in Pregnancy: Essential Benefits for Pregnant Women
Importance of Folic Acid
Folic acid is an essential B vitamin for everyone's health, but it takes on special importance when it comes to pregnant women. This nutrient plays a crucial role from the first weeks of pregnancy, often even before a woman knows she is pregnant. It is well known that folic acid contributes significantly to the healthy development of the fetus, especially the brain and spine. For this reason, specialists recommend that women of childbearing age start consuming folic acid supplements just before pregnancy and continue throughout the first trimester, or even throughout it.
Neural Development of the Fetus
Undoubtedly, one of the most important benefits of folic acid is its role in preventing neural tube defects such as spina bifida and anencephaly. These are serious conditions that develop in the early weeks of pregnancy, often before a woman knows she is pregnant. The recommended daily consumption of folic acid contributes substantially to the proper formation of the neural tube of the fetus, thus reducing the risk of these birth defects.
Anemia prevention
Folic acid is also a key element in preventing anemia during pregnancy. Pregnancy increases the need for red blood cells, and without enough folic acid, red blood cell production may be insufficient, leading to anemia of pregnancy. This can not only affect the mother's well-being, but can also increase the risk of complications during childbirth and affect the development of the fetus.
How to Get Enough Folic Acid
Despite being found in many foods, such as green leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, legumes, seeds and certain fortified grains, it is often difficult for pregnant women to obtain the required amount of folic acid from diet alone. Thus, folic acid supplements become an effective solution. It should be administered under the guidance of a physician or nutritionist to ensure the correct and individualized dosage.
Specialists' recommendations
Most health experts recommend a daily intake of 400 to 800 micrograms of folic acid before conception and during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. In certain cases, such as when there is a family history of neural tube defects, the dose may be higher as recommended by the doctor.
Conclusion
Sufficient intake of folic acid is vital for the health of the mother and the harmonious development of the child even before birth. Therefore, it is essential to pay attention to this aspect and follow the advice of specialists to benefit from a healthy and complication-free pregnancy process. Mother and baby will only benefit from this extra care.
Don't forget that in addition to folic acid, a balanced diet, a healthy lifestyle and regular medical checkups are just as important for a successful pregnancy. For more information or to make sure you're following all the necessary steps for a healthy pregnancy, visit the maternity section of our store or subscribe to our newsletter for regular tips and updates.
