Folic Acid Tablet Uses in Pregnancy

Folic acid is an artificial B vitamin called folate. Folate plays a key role in the production of red blood cells and helps your baby’s neural tube develop into their brain and spinal cord. The most acceptable edible sources of folic acid are fortified grains. Folate is naturally found in dark green leafy vegetables and citrus fruits.

When Should You Start Taking Folic Acid?

Congenital disabilities occur within the first 3 to 4 weeks of pregnancy, so having enough folate in your body is important during the early stages of your baby’s brain and spinal cord development. If you talk to your doctor when you’re trying to get pregnant, they may tell you to start taking a prenatal vitamin that contains folic acid. One study showed that women who took folic acid at least a year before getting pregnant had a 50% or more reduced chance of having a premature birth. The CDC recommends that you start taking folic acid every day for at least a month before getting pregnant and every day during pregnancy. However, the CDC also recommends that all women of childbearing age take folic acid every day, so you should start taking it as early as possible. 

How Much Folic Acid Should You Take?

The recommended amount of folic acid for all women of childbearing age is 400 micrograms of folate per day. If you take a multivitamin every day, check to see if it has the suggested quantity. If, for some reason, you don’t want to take a multivitamin, you can take a folic acid supplement. Here are the recommended daily amounts of folic acid during pregnancy:

• While you are trying to conceive, 400 micrograms
• For the first three months of gestation, 400 micrograms
• For the fourth to ninth months of pregnancy: 600 micrograms
• While breastfeeding: 500 micrograms

Benefits of Taking Folic Acid during Pregnancy:

Each year, approximately 3,000 babies in the United States are born with neural tube defects. The neural tube usually develops into a spinal cord and brain within 28 days of conception. If the neural tube does not close properly, neural tube defects occur. Anencephaly is a condition in which the brain does not develop properly. Babies born with anencephaly do not survive. Babies born with spina bifida or encephalocele may require multiple surgeries, suffer paralysis, and formulate long-term disabilities. According to a 2015 review of research studies, maternal folic acid supplementation significantly reduces the risk of congenital heart disease. This condition affects about 8 out of 1,000 babies born in the United States, according to the American Heart Association.

Conclusion:

Taking large doses of folic acid may increase the levels of unmetabolized folic acid in the blood. Some researchers speculate that this could have long-term health implications, but more studies are needed before any firm conclusions can be drawn. Alternatives to folic acid supplements include 5-MTHF or unprocessed foods, such as green leafy vegetables. Folic acid is still the best choice recommended for women who are planning to become pregnant and are pregnant. Consult your healthcare provider before starting or changing supplements.