Why Folic Acid is Crucial during Pregnancy?
You've spent the longest three minutes of your life waiting for that pregnancy test to turn out positive. And it did! The very next thing on your agenda should be to double up that morning bowl of cereal and order an extra loaf of 100% whole wheat bread to go with your lentil soup.A pregnancy diet rich in nutrients is crucial to your little one's development, and folic acid is considered to be one of the most essential ones that need to reach your baby's body.
What is folic acid?
Folic acid is the laboratory-made version of vitamin B9 and is available in supplements that are easily absorbed by the body. It is called folate in its natural form and can be found in foods like lentils, spinach, broccoli, and citrus fruits like oranges and strawberries.
Why folic acid is important for baby's development during pregnancy?
Folic acid during pregnancy is crucial in preventing neural tube defects during your baby's development.
According to reports by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the risk of neural tube defects is reduced by up to 70% if pregnant mothers start taking the daily dose of folic acid recommended by their obstetrician at least a month before conceiving and during the first trimester of pregnancy.
What are the other benefits of folic acid during pregnancy?
Consuming folic acid during pregnancy is known to prevent miscarriage and premature birth. It reduces your risk of pregnancy complications and also protects your child from being born with a cleft lip or palate and low birth weight.
What are the consequences of not having folic acid during pregnancy?
The neural tube is that part of the embryo that develops into the brain and spine. A folic acid deficiency during pregnancy may put your baby at a risk of developing spinal cord defects like spina bifida and brain defects such as anencephaly..
The signs are subtle when it comes to folic acid deficiency during pregnancy. You may lose appetite and weight, feel weak, suffer headaches, a sore tongue, diarrhoea, anaemia, irritability, and heart palpitations. These could be easily taken care of with folic acid supplements and a folate-rich diet.
Visit our healthy pregnancy section for more tips & guide to staying healthy during pregnancy. Also, know Pregnancy Diet Tips more about healthy diet tips for pregnancy to ensure the well being of both you & your baby during the entire journey of pregnancy.
From week by week expert tips on pregnancy calendar to new born baby care tips, Pampers India is here to guide you through the amazing journey of early parenthood. Know more about wide range of Diapers & Wipes offered by Pampers India.
