When you realize you are pregnant… moms start planning the diet for their little one, right? For new moms, the essential nutrient you should know about is “Folic Acid”. Why is it especially beneficial for pregnant mothers? Let’s find out…
Folic Acid or also known as “Folate” is a vitamin that helps in embryo development, including synthesis, genetic repair, controlling the production of amino acids necessary for cell division, and even… producing red and white blood cells in the bone marrow of the fetus.
Why do pregnant mothers need to take more folic acid than usual?
While pregnant mothers need folic acid for their baby, their bodies absorb less from food than usual! To ensure both mother and baby receive enough folic acid, mothers need to supplement with more folic acid than normal for the proper development of the embryo in the womb.
When is the best time to take it… for optimal results!
Because during weeks 3-4 after fertilization, the neural tube closes completely, and by the time a mother knows she is pregnant, it might be too late. For the best outcome! Folic acid supplementation should start when planning to conceive or 1-3 months before pregnancy and continue for another 3 months after pregnancy begins.
What happens to the baby if there is a folic acid deficiency?
The impact of folic acid deficiency is that the baby is at risk of birth defects. In severe cases, there can be brain defects, central nervous system defects, and an unclosed skull. If pregnancy continues until birth… the baby may survive no more than 24 hours! The spinal cord is also at risk of defects.
The production of abnormally large or underdeveloped red blood cells can occur, as well as elevated homocysteine levels, which can lead to heart disease, clogged arteries in the brain, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
The production of abnormally large or underdeveloped red blood cells can occur, as well as elevated homocysteine levels, which can lead to heart disease, clogged arteries in the brain, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
How much folic acid supplementation is appropriate?
For pregnant mothers, the body requires 800 micrograms of folic acid per day, which is 400 micrograms more than non-pregnant women. However, if the body has too much folic acid… it can inhibit the function of vitamin B12 and may cause anemia.
Once mothers understand the importance and necessity of folic acid, they should choose to eat green leafy vegetables, egg yolks, liver, etc. But if any mother fears not getting enough folic acid, she can take supplements… under close medical supervision for the health of both mother and baby.
