The Importance of Folic Acid When Trying to Conceive and During Pregnancy
Every woman dreams of a healthy baby with ten tiny fingers and toes, cooing and smiling with adoring eyes. To help make this dream a reality, women of childbearing age should prioritize consuming the right nutrients. One crucial nutrient is folic acid. Also known as folate, this B9 vitamin is vital for preventing brain and spinal cord birth defects when taken before conception and during pregnancy.
Why Folic Acid is Essential
Folic acid plays a critical role in preventing neural tube defects (NTDs) in fetuses. NTDs are among the most common severe birth defects, affecting nearly one in 1,000 births in the United States. The neural tube forms the brain and spinal cord within the first four weeks of pregnancy.
Common Neural Tube Defects
- Spina Bifida: One of the most severe birth defects, spina bifida occurs when the spine does not close properly early in pregnancy. In severe cases, the spinal cord may protrude through the back, covered only by skin or a thin membrane. Infants with spina bifida often need surgery within the first 24 hours of life to prevent infection and further spinal cord damage. This condition can lead to extensive surgeries, medical care, bowel and bladder complications, and even death.
- Anencephaly: This defect occurs when the neural tube does not close at the top, resulting in the absence of the upper part of the skull. Most anencephalic pregnancies do not result in live births. Infants born with this condition are missing the upper cranium and scalp, exposing the brain. These infants typically live only a few minutes to a few weeks.
Benefits of Folic Acid
Consuming adequate folic acid reduces the risk of NTDs by up to 70%. The most crucial time for folic acid intake is at least one month before conception and throughout the first trimester. Pregnant women should aim for 400 to 800 micrograms of folic acid daily.
Also read: What Causes Third Trimester Heartburn?
Sources of Folic Acid
Folic acid is found in various foods, including:
- Citrus fruits and juices
- Bananas
- Beef liver and lean beef
- Fortified grain products (breads, pastas, cereals, rice)
- Dark green leafy vegetables (kale, spinach)
- Dried beans and peas
- Chicken liver
- Lentils
- Wheat germ
- Asparagus
- Papaya
- Broccoli
- Cantaloupe
- Eggs
- Canned salmon
- Most berries
The FDA mandates adding folic acid to enriched grain products to help meet daily requirements. Pregnant women or those trying to conceive should supplement their diet with prenatal vitamins, and healthcare providers may prescribe additional folic acid supplements.
Additional Benefits of Folic Acid
Folic acid helps pregnant women produce the extra blood cells needed during pregnancy and is crucial for developing the fetus and placenta. It is essential for producing the fetus’s DNA. Folic acid deficiencies may increase the risk of repeat miscarriages, premature infants, and low birth weight infants (under 5.5 pounds).
Special Considerations
Women with diabetes, epilepsy, obesity, or a history of NTD-affected pregnancies should consult their healthcare provider about the appropriate folic acid intake. Certain medications can deplete folic acid levels, including aspirin, barbiturates, corticosteroids, NSAIDs, oral contraceptives, primidone, choline magnesium, and salicylates. Always discuss any medications and conception plans with your doctor to ensure the best possible outcome for your pregnancy.
