Pregnancy is a roller coaster ride that every woman wants to experience. It brings out different emotions all at once, from happiness to anxiety and panic. The journey towards motherhood is filled with unique experiences and surprises; it's essential to keep oneself informed regularly.
Do you know one of the most important ultra-special things your baby needs during pregnancy? Anyone?
Well, let me give you a hint; it's not pickles!
Folic acid - What is it?
Folate or folic acid (FA) plays a vital role in cell growth and division. Our bodies need folate as it helps produce red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen from our lungs throughout our body.
But does this mean we shouldn't be without folate during pregnancy?
Absolutely! During pregnancy, there are rapid cell divisions so that new tissue can grow inside the womb. As such, women of childbearing age who have adequate amounts of FA in their diets will reduce the risk of birth defects by 70%.
Why do pregnant women need folic acid supplements?
While there are foods high in folate like spinach (think Popeye!), oranges (vitamin C lover), lentils (because "tender" isn't always an option) and Brussel sprouts(for those whose taste buds love torture), getting enough nutrients solely through diet is difficult when pregnant hence why daily prenatal vitamins containing FA are essential.
The recommended amount of FA intake for non-pregnant individuals daily ranges between 400-500mcg while pregnant women should consume up to 600mcg per day because regular functions can deplete reserves leaving little resources available required for baby growth.
Taking folic acid also reduces chances of complications during childbirth like premature birth which occurs when labour starts before completing full-term pregnancy typically set at week 37.
Effects of folic acid on childbearing
Pregnancy is the most delicate and crucial stage to anything as small as salt intake- too much or too little could create a disaster. Growing babies also need an adequate amount of healthy vitamins that support healthy growth.
Enter Folate!
FA helps to develop a network of blood vessels inside developing embryos necessary for proper nutrient transfer, hence why it's incredibly vital for the first few weeks after conception when organ formation begins.
Suppose you're pregnant (congratulations!), ensuring enough folate consumption may help reduce chances of conditions like cleft lip/palate, congenital heart disease, neural tube defects (a condition in which the brain,'s spinal cord doesn't form correctly leading to abnormal developments) and spina bifida (A rare debilitating birth defect marked by an opening in bones encircling the spinal cord).
How long must one take supplements?
As soon as possible! Ideally, daily intake should commence at least one month before conceiving for effective protection because timing is important. The spine develops within 3 - 4 weeks post-conception (that was quick!), so if FA supplementation starts later than that period (which is not uncommon since some pregnancies are unplanned), benefits won't apply efficiently meaning if it’s 'after intercourse', then it's already late.
Studies have shown that women who begin consuming supplements once they conceive significantly increase their chances of reducing NTD rates while early prevention reduces about seventy percent risks surrounding serious medical malformations.
Therefore taking these essential tablets every day throughout pregnancy will assure maximum development rate coupled with healthier babies.
Risks associated with inadequate FA levels during pregnancy
Inadequate amounts pose grim health challenges. Reports show improper intake results in development conditions concerning fetal anomalies connected to impairment in epigenetic regulation pathways concerned with gene expression leveling contributing towards various diseases.
Also, low FA levels limit the baby's immune system development recurring later in life chronic diseases like asthma and allergies. Folic acid deficiency also increases risk of pregnancy-induced high blood pressure called pre-eclampsia which can result in seizure activity among other adverse effects.
Does everything revolve around folic acid then?
By now, you have figured it - YES! As is evidently clear from this article undisputedly calling for the utmost importance of consuming FA regularly during pregnancy. But remember, these are daily supplements meaning they need to be included with absolute dietary stability before affecting other healthy foods adversely.
In combination with a balanced diet and proper nutrition track (a "balanced diet" did I really go there?), folate offers mothers increased benefits regarding growth boosts gone to babies that will play an active role throughout development
It’s incredibly vital not only for moms but anyone that might eventually carry a baby to start taking care of their health right away as complications may arise 6-7 years after birth – better safe than sorry!
So ladies come let us toast (nonalcoholic) beverages filled with vitamins enjoy good music while embracing menstruation cycles (because unborn babies aren’t going anywhere) supplemented with recommended folic acid recommendations giving our future generation every chance at living beautiful wholesome lives!