Importance of Folic Acid during Pregnancy

• 08/01/2022
• 0

Having a healthy baby is everyone’s dream. If your baby is healthy before and after birth that means you are healthy too. During pregnancy, most of the women face so many difficulties. Some of the problems are temporary whereas others can have serious problem like having any kind of birth-defect in a baby that can be painful for a mother and the baby throughout the life. So before conception and during pregnancy, you have to take extra care of yourself so that you may get a healthy baby. But the most important thing that you must keep in your mind is, you should take enough folic acid everyday that will be helpful in preventing serious birth defects in your baby. For getting proper information about dose and duration of this medicine, you must consult the Best Gynaecologist in Chandigarh who guide at every step.

Know Exactly About Folic Acid

Folic Acid is man-made form of B Vitamin that is called Folate. Your gynaecologist will recommend you its 400 micrograms dose every day before conception and up to at least 3 months of pregnancy because it reduces the risk of serious neural tube defects of baby. That’s why it is called Pregnancy Superhero. It is found in dark green vegetables, citrus fruits, and fortified cereals.

Why is it important?

Folic Acid is very much important for lots of functions of the body. It is helpful in producing Red Blood Cells which carry oxygen throughout the body. During pregnancy you need some extra red blood cells for your baby also. If a body doesn’t produce enough red blood cells then the problem of anemia can also be developed. Folate is also required for synthesis and repair of DNA because it is necessary for cells to divide.

As folate helps your baby’s neural tube develop into their brain and spinal cord, so enough quantity must be taken a pregnant woman otherwise deficiency can lead to neural tube irregularities such as Spina bifida and anencephaly.

Spina Bifida is incomplete development of the spinal cord or the vertebrae.

Anencephaly is incomplete development of major parts of the brain.

 

Symptoms of Folic Acid Deficiency

Some common symptoms of folic acid deficiency are:

• Weakness
• Headache
• Irritation
• Sore tongue and inside the mouth
• Heart Palpitation
• Exhaustion
• Color change of hair, skin or fingernails

If you find any symptom in yourself then you should immediately consult Ladies Specialist Doctor in Chandigarh who will tell you how to overcome from this problem.

Who are at higher risk?

• Alcohol users
• Pregnant Women
• Women of reproductive age
• People who have MTHFR polymorphism

Where to Get Enough Folic Acid?

Although folic acid is important nutrient for everyone but especially women in their reproductive age should get enough folic acid because when they are pregnant they need more folic acid to help their baby grow. It can be got from different sources such as dietary supplements and fortified foods. Some foods are naturally high in folate such as: –

• Spinach
• Banana
• Avocado
• Broccoli
• Orange Juice
• Black-eyed Peas
• Brussels Sprouts
• Asparagus
• Mustard Greens
• Canned Tomato Juice
• Papaya
• Hard-boiled egg

 

Side-effects of Folic Acid

If folic acid is taken orally with appropriate dose then it is safe. But if anyone takes its excessive dose then also there is no need to be worried because it is water soluble and it will pass through the urine. Minor side-effects can be seen in very rare people that are: –

• Nausea
• Loss of Hunger
• Irritation
• Confusion
• Bad taste in mouth (or)
• Sleep pattern disturbance

Folic Acid is helpful in improving the chances of getting and staying pregnant. It is also helpful in preventing pregnancy loss.

If you belong to Chandigarh region and are also one of those who are trying to become pregnant then you must consult Dr. Ruchi Rai Ahuja who is well-experienced Gynaecologist in Chandigarh who will make your most important phase your life more comfortable and enjoyable. You can directly visit her clinic or make an appointment by calling at +91-6284862829.