Folic acid, or folate, a form of vitamin B which is found in a variety of foods or can be taken as supplements. Folic acid is extremely beneficial to women who are about to become pregnant, or who have just fallen pregnant.

A woman who intakes 0.4 milligrams per day of folic acid each day prior to pregnancy and in the first 2 months of pregnancy reduce the risk of birth defects in their baby.

Birth defects which may result when folic acid is not taken for pregnancy include neural tube defects, spina bifida, and other conditions including underdevelopment of the brain and abnormal formation of the brain.

The often difficult part is that these defects are formed within the first month of pregnancy - often when a woman may not even know she is pregnant. This is why it is extremely important to confirm a pregnancy if you have any suspicion at all that you may be pregnant. If you are confirmed to be pregnant, speak to your doctor about immediately beginning a folic acid supplemental diet.

To be safe, it is recommended that all women if child bearing age monitor their folic acid intake. It is a good idea to ensure you are getting enough folic acid so that a safe pregnancy will eventuate if you do accidentally become pregnant. It is estimated that around 50% of pregnancies are unplanned!

Folic acid for pregnancy and general health can be ingested either by adhering to folic acid rich foods or by taking a multivitamin which has 400 micrograms (0.4 milligrams) of folic acid in it.

It can generally be a little difficult to consume enough folic acid just through food; therefore a supplement is also ideal. Do check the label on the multivitamin packaging to see how much folic acid exists in each dose.

Keep in mind that for folic acid to serve its purpose during pregnancy, it absolutely must be taken before pregnancy and during the first several weeks of pregnancy. This is because the baby's neural tube is developing during this time. The neural tube becomes the brain and spinal cord. Obviously it is absolutely vital that these parts of the developing baby do grow properly, which is where folic acid comes into it.

Folic acid is essential for women who may become pregnant or who are newly pregnant. You are encouraged to speak to your doctor if you have any queries about folic acid.

Popularity: 12%