Everyone knows the importance of a balanced diet or Pre Pregnancy Supplements. Still, our diet can fall short of certain nutrients, requiring supplements for those nutrients. If you are planning to have a baby, folic acid is a supplement you cannot miss.
Folate and folic acid are from the vitamin B group. Folate is found in green leafy vegetables, rajma, citrus fruits, liver etc. However, its complete absorption does not take place in our body and does not fulfill daily needs during pregnancy. Nor can our body cannot make folic acid. Hence, we have to take the folic acid supplement, which is a synthetic form.
What is the role of folic acid?
Folic acid helps in the proper growth of the placenta, and development of a baby. It prevents anemia in the mother and reduces the risk of pre-eclampsia. It is involved in RBC formation and DNA repair.
In pregnancy, it helps in the development of the neural tube, from which the brain and spine of the baby develop. In case of folic acid deficiency, this tube may not close completely, thus causing some neural tube defects, such as Spina bifida and anencephaly, in the baby. Cleft palate and non-closure of the hole in the heart are among some other possible abnormalities.
The neural tube starts forming around 3-4 weeks of pregnancy. That is why it is necessary to take folic supplements regularly in the first trimester.
When should I start folic acid? Folic acid supplements can be started as early as possible, but starting 3 months before getting pregnant will give the better results. If your pregnancy was not planned, then start taking these supplements as soon as you are aware that you are pregnant.
What is the recommended dose for folic acid for a woman who is planning to get pregnant?
400 micrograms /day before pregnancy and 600 micrograms /day during pregnancy is the recommended dose.
So when to start taking Folic acid?
You can start taking the supplement as early as possible but before 3 months before getting pregnant will give better results. If you have not planned your pregnancy, you should start taking these supplements as soon as you are aware of your pregnancy.
The recommended dose for folic acid for a woman is 400 micrograms /day before pregnancy and 600 micrograms /day during pregnancy is the recommended dose.
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