Benefits of taking folic acid during pregnancy

Benefits of taking folic acid during pregnancy

What is folic acid?

Folic acid is a B vitamin. Your body needs it to make new cells. Folic acid is also called folate. Folate is the form of the B vitamin that is found naturally in food. Folic acid is the artificial (synthetic) form of the B vitamin. Folic acid is added to certain foods (fortified foods) and is also available in dietary supplements such as prenatal vitamins.

All women who may become pregnant or are planning to become pregnant need at least 400–800 mcg of folic acid daily. Most pregnant women need 600–800 mcg of folic acid per day, but some women need more.

Taking folic acid during pregnancy helps to prevent abnormalities that can develop in an unborn baby’s brain, spine, or spinal column (neural tube defects). These defects include:

• Spina bifida. This is when the spinal column does not close completely during development, leaving the spinal cord exposed. This means the nerves that control leg movements and other bodily functions do not work. Spina bifida causes lifelong disabilities.
• Anencephaly. Babies born with anencephaly have an underdeveloped brain. They may have little or no brain matter, and they could also be missing parts of the skull.

Neural tube defects occur in the first few months (first trimester) of pregnancy. If you are trying to get pregnant, make sure you get enough folic acid for at least one month before you start trying. It is important to get enough folic acid even if you are not trying to get pregnant, because some pregnancies are unplanned. If your pregnancy is unplanned, start taking folic acid as soon as you find out that you are pregnant.

Folic acid can also help to prevent a drop in red blood cells that carry oxygen throughout the body (anemia). Anemia during pregnancy is associated with complications such as low birth weight and premature birth.

What are the side effects of taking folic acid?

Folic acid supplements may cause side effects, such as:

• Diarrhea.
• Abdominal cramping.

Folic acid can also interact with certain medicines that are used to treat other conditions. These medicines include:

• Methotrexate. This is an anticancer drug that is also used to treat some autoimmune diseases.
• Antiepileptic medicine, such as phenytoin, carbamazepine, and valproate.
• Sulfasalazine. This medicine is used to treat ulcerative colitis.

How should I take folic acid during pregnancy?

Even women who have a healthy, well-balanced diet may not get enough folate from food. Synthetic folic acid is easier for your body to use than the folate that is found naturally in certain foods. In addition to eating folate-rich foods, you can ensure that you get enough folic acid by taking prenatal vitamins and eating foods that are fortified with folic acid. Make sure your prenatal vitamin or B vitamin supplement contains 400–800 micrograms of folic acid.

What foods should I eat?

Folate is found naturally in:

• Dark green leafy vegetables, such as spinach.
• Asparagus.
• Brussels sprouts.
• Citrus fruits and juices.
• Nuts.
• Beans.
• Peas.
• Eggs.
• Meat, poultry, and seafood.
• Soy products.
• Whole grains.

Folic acid is often added to certain foods, including:

• Bread.
• Pasta.
• White rice.
• Breakfast cereal.
• Flour.
• Cornmeal.

When should I seek medical care?

Some women may need to take more than the recommended amount of folic acid. Talk with your health care provider about your folic acid needs if:

• You had a baby with a neural tube defect and you want to get pregnant again.
• You have a family history of spina bifida.
• You have spina bifida and you want to get pregnant.

Talk with your doctor about folic acid supplements if you are taking medicine for any of the following conditions:

• Epilepsy.
• Type 2 diabetes.
• Autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, psoriasis, celiac disease, and inflammatory bowel disease.
• Asthma.
• Kidney disease.
• Liver disease.
• Sickle cell disease.