Folic Acid for Pregnancy: Protecting your unborn baby

According to the Food and Drug Administration, Spina Bifida and Anecephaly are two of the most common birth deformities. Approximately 2,500 babies each year will be born with some type of neural tube defect (NTD), and half of these babies’ NTDs will be related to inadequate folic acid intake by the birth mother during pregnancy. NTDs in babies can result in life-long disabilities and even death shortly after birth.

What is Folic Acid?

Folic acid is a type of B vitamin that is found in foods such as leafy vegetables, whole grains, and beans. Known for years to help prevent neural tube defects in newborn babies, folic acid has now been added to many fortified foods to boost the amount available to pregnant women. An easy way to assist pregnant mothers in getting enough of this essential nutrient is to take a prenatal vitamin to supplement their daily diets.

Prenatal vitamins are generally formulated with at least 100% of the daily recommended amount of folic acid, which ensures that mothers are getting the right amount to help prevent neural tube defects. Currently, the recommended dosage is 400 ug of folic acid per day.

When Should I Start Taking Prenatal Vitamins?

The most critical period of fetal development in regards to NTDs is during the early weeks of the first trimester. Because most women are not even aware that they are pregnant yet during this time, women who are considering pregnancy should start on prenatal vitamins even before trying to conceive. The FDA has reported that an adequate intake of folic acid prior to and during early pregnancy can prevent up to 70% of neural tube defects.

Women should discuss their need for prenatal vitamins with their doctors prior to trying to get pregnant. When women take these supplements before pregnancy, they allow their stores of folic acid to increase before conception, giving their babies the best chance to avoid developing a neural tube defect.

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