Advantages of Folic Acid During Pregnancy

1. Advantages of Folic Acid During Pregnancy https://divahospital.com

2. Folic acid is a B9 vitamin, which is also described as folate for the natural form that is found in foods. Pregnant women need folic acid to create red blood cells and to help with the early stages of the development of the neural tube. It is our belief at Diva Women’s Hospital that the health of the expectant woman, and her unborn child should be accorded the highest importance and this is why we recommend pregnant women to take folic acid supplements. This blog presents information on the numerous benefits that are closely related to folic acid in pregnancy and outlines why this nutrient is essential for pregnant women. Importance of Folic Acid Before and During Pregnancy Folic acid is vital in the development of a baby’s neural tube that later in the development process gives form brains and spinal cord. The neural tube involves the formation of the spine and the brain, and this is a process that takes place in the first few weeks of pregnancy before the woman even realizes she is pregnant. This is why prenatal vitamins, especially folic acid supplements, are effective during the preparation stage of pregnancy and the first weeks of pregnancy.

3. 1. Prevention of Neural Tube Defects Some of the most important aspects of folic acid include the following; one of the most recognized uses of folic acid is to postpone NTDs. Ladders relate to Neural Tube Defects – birth defects affecting the brain and spinal cord and particularly spina bifida and anencephaly. Spina Bifida: A disease that results from the failure of the spinal column to close properly during fetal development which may or may be associated with the level of disability ranging from paralysis to a born stunted baby. Anencephaly: A malady that affects the enhancing of the chief portions of the mind and cranium, whereby possibly by stillbirth or early infancy loss of life ensues. Research has also presented that with increased folic acid intake prior to the initial stage of pregnancy and during the initial stage of the pregnancy, the occurrence of NTDs may be cut by 70%.

4. 2. Lowering the Probability of Other Losses To conclude the present paper it is imperative to stress that besides attention to folic acid deficiency it is possible to lower the probability of other losses as well. Folic acid also helps reduce the risk of other birth defects, such as:Folic acid also helps reduce the risk of other birth defects, such as: Cleft Lip and Palate: These are well-known inquiries that may alter the upper lip and the roof of the mouth. Congenital Heart Defects: For example, ensuring adequate folate intake reduced the risk of newborns’ heart defects. Low Birth Weight and Premature Birth: Consumption of adequate folic acid has the foods also reduced preterm delivery and the low birth weight which if persisted in childhood may lead to compromise health status.

5. 3. Supporting Maternal Health They found out that folic acid not only plays an important role in the growth of the fetus, but it is also important for the mother’s health as well. Due to hormonal changes during pregnancy and development and growth of the fetus, the blood volume of a woman rises, and thus the requirement of red blood cells in the body also rises. The Dietary component of folate helps in the production of these cells hence decreasing the likelihood of anemia. Preventing Anemia: Folic acid together with vitamin B12 and iron plays a unique role in production of new cells in the body particularly the red colored cells. The diseases inherited from the mother, anemia during pregnancy leads to the feeling of weakness, and complications during pregnancy can occur. Maintaining Maternal Tissue Growth: Folic acid plays a huge role as it creates a healthy growth of the placenta and the fetus. It is used in DNA synthesis and DNA repair because these processes are vital during the processes of growth and development. 4. Enhancing Brain Development Some studies conducted in the recent past point to an ability of folic acid to promote the development of the brain and even improve its function. The babies whose mothers consumed folic acid at proper level during pregnancy have been associated with better brain health and fewer chances of developmental diseases.

6. 5. Reducing the Risk of Pregnancy Complications Folic acid is associated with a reduced risk of several pregnancy complications, including:Folic acid is associated with a reduced risk of several pregnancy complications, including: Preeclampsia: A dangerous condition of pregnant women with high blood pressure and indications of the effects of hypertension on another body organ or system, including kidney. Miscarriage: Folic acid supplementation can also minimize the chances of abortion. Placental Abruption: A pathological state in which the placenta disconnects from the uterine wall prior to delivery; it is a medical condition with severe consequences for both the mother and the newborn child. Recommended Dosage of Folic Acid Vitamin F The recommended dose of folic acid/vitamin F supplement is equal to 100 µg daily. The doses of folic acid vary, but considering the fact that many women ovulate and could become pregnant, it is advised that women of childbearing age should take 400mcg of folic acid daily. But while pregnant, the amount administered rises to 600 mcg daily due to the needs of both the fetuses and the mother’s growing body.

7. Getting Enough Folic Acid Folic acid can be found thus in prenatal vitamins and food containing good amounts of folate so that women can be assured of their intake of the vitamin. Foods naturally high in folate include:Foods naturally high in folate include: Some examples of these foods includes the following; Green and leafy vegetables such as spinach and kale. Citrus fruits (oranges, lemons) Pulses (Lentils, beans, chickpeas and beans are good examples of pulses) Cooked foods that are fortified (cereals, bread, pasta), and fruits Nuts and seeds Besides these, other foods that are also incorporated with folic acid are breads, pastas and cereals as a way of enhancing intake among women. Fertility specialists continue to advocate for folic acid supplementation before conception as well as during pregnancy because of its versatile positive impact including a very important role in preventing neural tube defects and other congenital anomalies among other pregnancy and maternal health benefits. We encourage all women to take adequate folic acids at Diva Women’s Hospital in Ahmedabad as it is very vital for any woman of child bearing age and especially for those planning to conceive.

8. However, the importance of making sure that you take a lot of folic acid both before and during pregnancy is one of the best things you can do in order to facilitate a healthy pregnancy for you and your baby. If you’d like more information about how much folic acid you need or any other pregnancy concerns, do not hesitate to contact the staff at Diva Women’s Hospital. Kindly contact us today and let us know how we can assist you to achieve a healthy and successful pregnancy. CONTACT US +91 9978872345 info@divahospital.com https://divahospital.com/

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