Folic acid in pregnancy: what it’s for, benefits, and when to start taking it

Folic acid in pregnancy: what it’s for, benefits, and when to start taking it

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Folic acid in pregnancy is one of the most important supplements for mother’s and baby’s health. But what exactly is it used for? When should it be taken and in what dosage? In this article we explain everything you need to know about this essential vitamin before and during gestation.

I will start by asking some questions–do you know what folic acid is? And what is the reason why it is so important not to incur a deficiency state during pregnancy?
If you don’t know the answers yet and are curious to learn more about the topic, I encourage you to read on!

What is folic acid and why is it important?

Folic acid, also known as vitamin B9, is a water-soluble vitamin essential for several vital functions in our bodies.

His major roles include:

• DNA synthesis
• cell division
• the formation of red blood cells
• proper tissue growth

The human body does not produce folic acid on its own, so it is necessary to take it through food or through specific supplements. This is true for everyone, but it becomes even more important for women of childbearing age and, especially, during pregnancy…. if you are interested in learning more about this topic, we talked about B vitamins in our article[LINK].

What folic acid is used for in pregnancy

During pregnancy, folic acid plays a key role in the development of the fetus. Its most important task is to prevent neural tube defects, which are malformations of the central nervous system such as:

• spina bifida
• anencephaly

In addition to this, adequate folic acid intake contributes to:

• Reduce the risk of preterm delivery
• Promote proper formation of the placenta
• prevent some forms of maternal anemia

Taking it on a regular basis can therefore make a big difference to the health of the baby and the mother-to-be.

When to start taking folic acid in pregnancy

Experts recommend starting folic acid intake at least one month before conception and continuing it throughout the first trimester of pregnancy.

This is because neural tube defects develop very early, often before a woman even finds out she is pregnant.

That is why it is advisable for all women of childbearing age who are seeking pregnancy to start taking folic acid preemptively, following the directions of their doctor or gynecologist.

Recommended dosage and natural sources

The recommended daily dose is 400 micrograms (mcg) per day of folic acid. In some specific cases (high-risk pregnancies, special diseases, twins), the physician may recommend higher dosages.

In addition to supplements, folic acid is also found in many foods, especially in:

• Green leafy vegetables (spinach, lettuce, chard)
• legumes (chickpeas, beans, lentils)
• whole and fortified cereals
• fruits (oranges, kiwis, strawberries)

However, diet alone is often not enough to provide the necessary intake during pregnancy-that is why supplementation remains essential.

Folic acid: supplement or diet?

Folate is the natural form of vitamin B9 found in foods, while folic acid is the synthetic form used in supplements.

During pregnancy, it is difficult to reach daily requirements by diet alone, as folates are thermolabile and are easily lost by cooking.

This is why theuse of folic acid supplements, which are more stable and better absorbed by the body, is recommended.

Conclusion: why not neglect it

Folic acid in pregnancy is not just advice, but a real necessity to ensure healthy development of the baby and protect the mother’s health. Taking it consistently and in the right dosage can prevent even serious complications.

If you are planning a pregnancy or are already in the early months of gestation, talk to your doctor about starting with the right supplement right away. Your future baby will thank you.