Folic acid, a type of B vitamin (B9), plays a crucial role in a healthy pregnancy, especially in the early stages of fetal development. Health experts recommend women who are trying to conceive take folic acid supplements to ensure they have enough of this essential nutrient. Here’s why folic acid is important during preconception and pregnancy:
1. Prevents Neural Tube Defects (NTDs)
One of the most significant reasons for taking folic acid when trying to conceive is its role in preventing neural tube defects (NTDs), which are serious birth defects of the brain and spine. The neural tube, which eventually forms the brain and spinal cord, develops within the first few weeks of pregnancy, often before a woman even knows she is pregnant.
Without enough folic acid, the neural tube may not close properly, leading to conditions like:
Taking folic acid before conception and during the early stages of pregnancy can reduce the risk of NTDs by up to 70%.
2. Supports Healthy Cell Growth and DNA Formation
Folic acid is essential for cell division and DNA synthesis, which are critical during pregnancy. Rapid cell division occurs in both the mother and the developing embryo, particularly during the first trimester. Folic acid ensures that cells divide properly, supporting the growth and development of the fetus’s organs and tissues.
3. Reduces Risk of Other Birth Defects
In addition to neural tube defects, folic acid may also reduce the risk of other birth defects, such as:
4. Prepares Your Body for a Healthy Pregnancy
By taking folic acid before conception, you’re preparing your body for a healthy pregnancy. Folic acid helps produce red blood cells, which transport oxygen to the developing fetus. A deficiency in folic acid could lead to anemia or other health issues that may affect both mother and baby.
5. Recommended Dosage of Folic Acid
The general recommendation is for women who are trying to conceive or of childbearing age to take 400 to 800 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid daily. If you’ve had a pregnancy affected by a neural tube defect in the past, your doctor may recommend a higher dose (up to 4,000 mcg per day).
Folic acid can be taken through:
6. When to Start Taking Folic Acid
It’s recommended that women begin taking folic acid at least one month before trying to conceive and continue throughout the first trimester of pregnancy. However, since many pregnancies are unplanned, healthcare providers often suggest that all women of childbearing age take folic acid daily.
7. Natural Sources of Folate
While folic acid is the synthetic form of vitamin B9, folate is the naturally occurring form found in foods. Including folate-rich foods in your diet can also boost your intake, although supplementation is still necessary to ensure you’re getting enough.
Folate-rich foods include:
Conclusion
Taking folic acid is one of the most important steps you can take to ensure a healthy pregnancy and prevent birth defects when trying to conceive. It supports crucial early fetal development, helps prevent neural tube defects, and promotes overall maternal and fetal health. Start taking a daily folic acid supplement before conception and continue through the early stages of pregnancy to give your baby the best start in life.
