Is additional folic acid necessary in pregnancy or is it common in a normal western diet?
It is recommended that you take folic acid during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, it helps the babys spine develop and also reduces the chances of your baby having spina bifida. I'm pretty sure that you don't get enough in a normal diet, so taking folic acid tablets will help
Folic acid for pre-pregnancy is recommended by all physicians as necessary supplements to be included with the regular diet. This is because folic acid helps prevent birth defects of the brain and spine [neural tube defects]. Folic acid or folate is a b vitamin that is essential for the proper growth and development of the brain, spine and skull of the fetus. Folic acid also prevents heart defects, cleft lip and palate etc. Folic acid is necessary for blood and protein production as well as to ensure enzyme functioning. Folic acid is necessary for the proper formation of healthy blood cells and 400 mcg are recommended daily in the pre conception stage. The doctors recommend that the women consume folic acid 3 months prior to pregnancy and continue until the second trimester.
Yes, folic acid helps a lot in reducing the risk of spinal and birth defects.
Got an answer for Highlandspring? Would you like to comment on the posted answers, or vote for the one which you think is the best?
Sign up for a free account, or sign in (if you're already a member).
Other people asked questions on similar topics, check out the answers they received:
Other people asked questions on various topics, and are still waiting for answer. Would be great if you can take a sec and answer them
