How Folic Acid Helps Prevent Birth Defects
When a woman is pregnant, she only wants the best for her baby. Health is a top priority. Fortunately, there are easy ways to prevent certain problems. One is to take vitamin B9, also known as folic acid.
For several years, maternity care in several countries around the world has recommended taking folic acid during pregnancy. Among other things, the World Health Organization, WHO, highlights how folic acid contributes to preventing malformations in the fetus.
There are many myths about vitamins and supplements for pregnant women. Previously, certain substances were considered a risk. Today, however, we have new findings.
Taking folic acid during pregnancy helps your baby’s spine to develop properly. This protects the fetus against certain abnormalities, such as spina bifida, also called spina bifida.
Folic acid also reduces the risk of cleft lip, palate and some severe congenital heart problems.
It promotes new cell growth
Folic acid is a water-soluble vitamin. It is part of the B-vitamin complex, which helps the body form new cells.
At the same time, it helps prevent a set of conditions called neural tube defects, including spina bifida and anencephaly.
Scientific journals such as the Journal of the American Medical Association have published several studies on the benefits of folic acid for pregnant women.
This research has also found a link between folic acid intake and a lower risk of other problems, such as language delays.
All pregnant women should take folic acid
All pregnant women, including those in good health, should take folic acid. This helps the fetus to develop properly. It also prevents anemia and is responsible for repairs and protection of the cells.
A daily intake helps to reduce the risk of several health problems, including those that affect the central nervous system, heart and extremities, as well as other congenital defects.
The benefits do not only apply during pregnancy, either: researchers have also recently shown that a low-dose daily folic acid supplement can reduce the risk of heart problems in all of us.
According to the same study, which looked at a wide range of the population, folic acid intake is an important factor in the heart health of women.
How can I get it in me?
Folic acid can be found in several foods, such as vegetables, fruits, egg yolks, whole grains and dairy products.
It is also found in smaller quantities in carbohydrate-rich foods such as bread and pasta. But even if you consume these, you must also take a vitamin supplement. Given the benefits to mother and child, a daily dose is usually recommended.
Studies have shown that it does not cause any side effects. It can be taken for several years without any additional risk.
Before you start taking any supplements, talk to your doctor about how much of it you should take and how often. Folic acid is good to start taking even before you get pregnant, and then continue with it throughout the pregnancy.
Experts say that a pregnant woman should take about 600 milligrams of folic acid a day. However, the dose may vary.
Some women are at greater risk of having a child with a spina bifida, and will need to take a higher dose.
Folic acid before pregnancy reduces the risk of neural tube defects
Taking folic acid supplements already when you are planning to get pregnant can prevent neural tube defects. Experts recommend that all women trying to conceive read about the benefits of it.
Today, about 500,000 children are born each year with congenital defects.
Even milder malformations can lead to learning difficulties and other problems later in life. Others cause milder health problems such as incontinence, digestive problems and cognitive delays.
The goal of maternity care worldwide is therefore to reduce birth defects by 70%. Taking folic acid during pregnancy is one of the best ways to do that.
