Folic Acid: Start Taking Before You Get Pregnant
During pregnancy, a body needs to increase nutritional values. During pregnancy, the need for nutritional value that a body needs increases. It is shaped according to needs of a growing baby and pregnancy. Folic acid is a group of vitamins that expectant mothers should start before getting pregnant.
Folic acid is very important for baby development. It functions in a body such as protein synthesis, cell proliferation, and complete functioning of bone marrow. Folic acid is not stored in the body. So it must be taken every day.
What is Folic Acid?
Folic Acid is a water-soluble vitamin (Vitamin B). It is called folate in natural nutrients. Forms found in medicines and processed foods are also called folic acid.
What’s Inside of Folic Acid?
Folic acid is a vitamin B derivative that plays an important role in the formation and development of cell building stones, blood cells and especially nervous system tissues. It is particularly involved in construction of DNA, which is building blocks of our genetic polymorphism.
What are the Benefits of Folic Acid to Babies?
Folic acid is very important for baby development. It functions in a body such as protein synthesis, cell proliferation, and complete functioning of bone marrow.
Fetal growth and development is a period characterized by rapid cell division. Due to its critical role in DNA and RNA production, the intake of adequate folic acid is of utmost importance at this time.
Studies show that folic acid intake in a sufficient amount in pregnancy significantly reduces the likelihood of developing central nervous system anomalies (injuries) in the baby. These central nervous system anomalies, called neural tube defects, can be seen in different shapes and grades. While spina bifida has a small opening in the spine, in anencephaly, which is the most advanced form, the baby’s skull and brain do not develop.
What are the Benefits of Using Folic Acid Before Pregnancy?
Many women lack folic acid for a variety of reasons before pregnancy. Along with pregnancy, folic acid deficiency may develop rapidly. Research shows that pre-pregnancy nutritional supplements and additional folic acid medications can overcome problems arising from folic acid deficiency.
When Should I Start Using Folic Acid?
Folic acid is important for the development of the brain and nervous system of the baby, so it needs to be taken before getting pregnant. As a result of the investigations, it is recommended to use 400 micrograms of folic acid per day, starting at least 3 months before pregnancy and until the end of the 3rd month of pregnancy. An important point that should not be forgotten is; folic acid is not stored in the body. So it is necessary to get it every day.
What Problems Can Folic Acid Deficiency Cause in the Baby?
Neural tube defects, the most frequently encountered problem among central nervous system anomalies, appear between days 21 and 27 after fertilization. In this period, most women may not realize that they are pregnant. The probability of a neural tube defect when there is no folic acid supplementation is around 1 in 2000 births. With folic acid supplement this ratio can be reduced by 50-75%. In order to reveal this effect, it is necessary to start using folic acid 1-3 months before getting pregnant. It is also suggested that anomalies such as cleft palate and some heart disorders are also due to the low intake of folic acid.
What are the Symptoms of Folic Acid Deficiency?
Folic acid deficiency at a mild degree is quite common in societies. In the case of more severe deficiencies, anemia is encountered. Those who are deficient in folic acid or B12 vitamins eventually become anemic.
Symptoms of anemia include drowsiness, fatigue, shortness of breath when effort is made, and pale skin. Fissures in the rim may be due to insufficient folic acid. However, this may also be due to iron, B2 or B6 deficiency. In lack of folic acid is tongue painful and red. It is straight. Similar symptoms can also be seen in B12 and iron deficiency. Folic acid deficiency usually does not occur as a result of external symptoms. At the end of blood tests, if the person has anemia, it appears. Mild deficits can cause depression in the person. Whereas in more severe deficiencies, the nerves are damaged, peripheral neuropathy may occur.
What are Folic Acid-Containing Foods?
Folic acid is found mostly in green vegetables, brewer’s yeast, liver, kidney, eggs, unglazed grains, walnuts, almonds, nuts, peanuts, lentils, spinach, clover, blue-green algae, parsley, mint, legumes and seedlings. Consumption of chicken, lamb and beef liver for pregnant women is not recommended due to excessive vitamin content. Excessive vitamin A intake can be dangerous for pregnant women; the fetus may be damaged.
When Should the Use of Folic Acid be Ended?
In order to help prevent central nervous system injuries, it is useful to use folic acid as a drug supplement until 8 weeks after fertilization. This is the 10-week period after the first day of your last menstrual cycle in 28 days. There is no obvious benefit of folic acid on the nervous system anomalies after this date.
Should Every Pregnant Woman Take Folic Acid?
In pregnancy, the daily intake of folic acid increases. For this reason, it is recommended to take folic acid in a way to cover all the pregnancies starting from the beginning of pregnancy.