Taking care of yourself for a healthy pregnancy begins long before conception. Much is said about folic acid in pregnancy and its importance, so surely you have heard of it. But not everyone knows exactly what its function is during pregnancy and if it is so necessary to take it. That is why today we want to clarify all your doubts about it.
What is folic acid?
Folic acid it is a vitamin that we all need. It is found naturally in some fruits, vegetables, nuts, and fortified cereals. Its function is produce new, healthy red blood cells, which are responsible for providing oxygen to all parts of the body. This is why it is so important for some types of anemia, too. participates in many other bodily functions, such as the intestinal tract and help prevent some types of cancer.
Although its best known and most prominent role is that of women of childbearing age who want to have a baby. Let's see what functions it has and its importance in pregnancy.
Folic acid in pregnancy
Folic acid is the vitamin supplement for pregnant women and for women who are looking to stay fit. Its fundamental role is the multiplication of cells, which helps in the early stages of conception where the baby's tissues and organs are being formed. So it helps prevent neural tube defects such as spina bifida, which usually originate in the first four weeks of pregnancy. The neural tube is the part of the embryo from which the brain and spinal cord develop, and a problem in its early development can lead to defects in the spinal cord or brain.
Other defects that can be avoided by taking the necessary amounts of folic acid are cleft lip and anencephaly. Without the adequate amount, cell division is reduced and can cause serious malformations. It is also very important for the development of DNA.
To be useful it must be taken before conception. It is recommended to start 2-3 months before the beginning of the pregnancy. Women trying to get pregnant should take at least 400 micrograms of folic acid a day before you get pregnant and for the first 3 months of pregnancy. As we have seen before, it can be obtained from the diet but, failing that, it can be administered artificially as a vitamin supplement.
Do all women need to take the same amount?
If you have already had a pregnancy with neural tube defects, have diabetes, obesity or epilepsy, or any disease that may increase the risk of neural tube defects it will be necessary that consult with your doctor to see if in your case it is necessary to increase the usual recommended dose.
As we see folic acid is necessary, since protect the health of our baby, something so important to parents. Something so simple to do can prevent serious problems for you. It is also important to have a healthy and balanced diet, where you can obtain folic acid naturally and supplement it artificially. A good diet is not enough, since with cooking and metabolizing a lot of folate is lost, and we only assimilate 25-50%. On the other hand, for the artificial preparation, 100% is absorbed. Combining both we will have the perfect tandem.
That is why a visit to the doctor is important when you intend to go for the baby shortly to start taking folic acid as soon as possible. Tell him about any condition you have that may affect the risk of suffering from this type of problem, so that he takes it into account when prescribing it.
Why remember ... with a gesture as simple as taking a vitamin supplement a day can help your baby's health so much. It is not only necessary for pregnancy, it is vital.