Pregnancy news: Folic acid helps prevent birth defects

Particular studies are growing that folic acid helps prevent birth defects. One major study shows that a woman who has sufficient amount of folic acid before and during pregnancy lower her risks of developing fetal heart defects by 20%. Meanwhile, taking 400 mcg of this vitamin helps minimize the possibility of developing spinal problems by 70%.

Folic acid also known as folate is a B-vitamin that is essential to repair DNA cells and helps in cell division which is very important during pregnancy. When you are pregnant folate aids in the development of the neural tube, therefore, low or lacking of this B-vitamin can cause deformities or complications to the brain and the spine such as spina bifida and anencephaly. The neural tube development happens two weeks when you get pregnant. Aside from helping in cell development, folic acid minimizes your risks of having anemia or miscarriage when pregnant.

Being a B-vitamin, folic acid is water soluble and there is no risk of over dosage. And yet as some studies continue to intensify regarding the effects of folic acid to new born babies, it shows that folate is being linked to the respiratory problems acquired by newborn babies. Thus, the FDA posed a limit of 1000 micromilligrams of folic acid per day safe for consumption especially by pregnant women.

Leafy green vegetables, fruits, dried beans, peas and nuts are some of the natural sources of folate. This can also be taken from supplements, folic acid fortified cereals and bread and so on.

Women who are planning to conceive must take folic acid supplements around the time of conception. This is to prevent neural tube defects as well as reduce the risk of congenital heart defects. Have a blissful and healthy pregnancy!




Riza C. Belgira is health enthusiast and an advocate of strengthening women's health and well-being through informative health resources and articles.

Visit her web site and explore informative and useful tips on 4d scans, pregnancy, dieting and weight loss at http://www.4d-ultrasoundscan.co.uk/.