Pregnancy and folic acidImage Credit source: Freepik
Pregnancy is a special phase of every woman’s life. During this time, it is very important to take care of the health of both the mother and the baby in the womb. For a healthy pregnancy, along with a balanced diet, the body also needs many essential vitamins and minerals. If there is nutritional deficiency at this time, it can affect the health of both mother and child. Therefore, doctors also recommend taking a diet rich in nutrients during pregnancy.
In these essential nutrients folic acid also includes. Folic acid is a synthetic form of vitamin B9, while its natural form is called folate, which is found in many foods. It plays an important role in the process of forming new cells and DNA in the body. This is the reason why it is considered necessary for women planning pregnancy and pregnant women to take adequate quantity of it. Let us know what can happen due to deficiency of folic acid during pregnancy, how to fulfill its need and what things should be kept in mind while taking it.
What can happen due to folic acid deficiency during pregnancy?
Office on Women’s Health According to, deficiency of folic acid during pregnancy can affect the development of the baby in the womb. If it is not supplied in adequate quantity, the risk of neural tube defect may increase in the child. This is a birth problem that can affect the development of the child’s brain, spinal cord or spinal cord. Therefore, women are advised to take adequate folic acid before pregnancy and in the initial weeks of pregnancy.
Many times a woman does not even know that she is pregnant in the initial days, while at the same time the initial development of the baby occurs rapidly. In such a situation, it is considered very important to take adequate amount of folic acid. Consuming it on time as per doctor’s advice can help in reducing these risks.
How to meet folic acid needs?
The need for folic acid can be met through a balanced diet and supplements taken as per doctor’s advice. Folate is found in green leafy vegetables, beans, peas, oranges and other citrus fruits. Apart from this, folic acid is also added to many fortified cereals and breads.
However, it is not always possible to get adequate amounts from food alone, so women planning pregnancy and pregnant women are advised to take folic acid supplements as per doctor’s advice.
What things should be kept in mind while taking folic acid during pregnancy?
During pregnancy, always take folic acid as per doctor’s advice. Do not increase or decrease its quantity without consultation. If you’re planning pregnancy, talk to your doctor about starting to take folic acid beforehand.
Along with taking supplements, a balanced diet is also important, so that the body can get other essential nutrients also. Consult a doctor before starting or stopping any kind of medicine or supplement.
