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Do you want to ensure a healthy pregnancy? Folic acid is one of the key nutrients that can help make that happen. In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about folic acid and pregnancy, including the benefits and risks. We’ll also provide a guide on how to get the recommended amount of folic acid, whether you’re pregnant or not, and what to do if you’re not sure whether you’re taking enough.
Folic acid and Pregnancy
A deficiency of folic acid produces the same oversized red blood cells as a vitamin B12 deficiency. One of the most common causes of folic acid deficiency anaemia is simply not getting enough in the diet. Pregnant women are most at risk for folic acid anaemia because the need for folic acid increases by two-thirds during pregnancy. Adequate folic acid intake is essential from the start of pregnancy because it protects against spinal defects in the fetus. A woman should start consuming 400 mcg a day at least one month before she becomes pregnant and the entire time while she is pregnant.
The good news is that folic acid helps in many ways during pregnancy. The supplement can also help you prevent certain health issues like pre-eclampsia and neural tube defects, which are both major risks for mothers-to-be
To know more about folic acid and pregnancy benefits and how to use it, feel free. In case anything goes wrong, let us know in the comments section and we’ll guide you through the process!
Frequently Asked Questions
Folic acid is an important vitamin that can help prevent birth defects in the developing baby. Folic acid is found mainly in leafy green vegetables, fruits, and fortified foods. The recommended daily intake of folic acid during pregnancy is 400 micrograms per day. However, as it’s not always easy for pregnant women to include enough leafy greens and other sources of folic acids into their diet, supplementation with a good source of folic acid such as pure folate supplements or bone broth may be necessary.
Folic acid is a water-soluble vitamin that is important for pregnant women and their developing embryos. It helps to prevent birth defects of the brain, spine, heart, and other organs. Deficiencies in folic acid are especially common during early pregnancy because it can lead to severe neural tube defect (NTD) in the unborn child.
Although 400 micrograms of folate per day is enough to avoid NTDs in most people, pregnant women should aim higher since they need even more folate than usual. The recommended daily allowance (RDA) for pregnant women ranges from 800 micrograms up to 1,500 micro grams—the equivalent of two or three cups of leafy greens like spinach or kale every day!
If you forget to take folic acid, what to do depends on how often you take it: once a day – take your missed dose as soon as you remember, unless it’s nearly time for your next dose. In this case skip the missed dose and just take your next dose at the usual time.
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