How & When is the Best Time to Take Folic Acid During Pregnancy?

Pregnant women should strive to maintain a balanced diet rich in whole grains, lean protein, fruits and vegetables because proper nutrition is crucial during pregnancy. You've probably read how important it is to take a prenatal vitamin every day, but did you realise that folic acid is the most crucial ingredient in this miracle pill?

Yes, one of the B vitamins that is essential for your unborn child's healthy growth in the first few months of pregnancy is folic acid, sometimes referred to as folate in the diet. It can help in preventing a lot of defects in the baby. Read this blog to find out how and when is the best time to take folic acid during pregnancy.

What is Folic Acid?

The synthetic form of folate, a B vitamin (more precisely, vitamin B9) present in several fruits, vegetables, and nuts, is called folic acid.

This folic acid is found in several vitamins and fortified foods including bread, pasta, and cereals. Nuts, beans, peas, and dark leafy greens are some common examples of food with Folate.

It helps build the blocks of our cells, where proteins are broken down, used, and synthesised by the body. It also contributes to the synthesis of red blood cells and DNA.

What Are the Benefits of Folic Acid?

Folic acid has several benefits when taken in the right amount. It is not only beneficial for the mother but it also helps in the development of the baby during pregnancy. Here are some benefits of folic acid when taken during pregnancy:

• It lowers a baby's risk of severe neural tube abnormalities.
• It helps in the development of your baby's brain and spinal cord.
• It also lowers the risk of pregnancy-related complications
• It supports overall well-being by preventing folate deficiency in the mother.

When is the Best Time to Take Folic Acid During Pregnancy?

Folic Acid is an important ingredient of vitamin that must be consumed by pregnant ladies. But when is the right time? Well, there are some best times to take folic acid during pregnancy.

According to one study, women who took folic acid for a year or more before becoming pregnant had a 50% or higher chance of gettign pregnant. Hence, here is when you must consume them the most in the right amount:

• Before Conception (At Least 1 Month Before Trying to Conceive)

Taking folic acid before pregnancy helps prevent neural tube defects in the baby.

• During the First Trimester (First 12 Weeks)

The baby’s brain and spinal cord develop rapidly during this period, making folic acid crucial.

• Continue Throughout Pregnancy (As Advised by Your Doctor)

While the first trimester is crucial, some doctors recommend taking folic acid throughout pregnancy for overall health benefits.

Also Read: Foods to Eat and Avoid After Embryo Transfer

How Much Folic Acid Should a Pregnant Woman Consume?

According to the CDC (Centre for Disease Control and Prevention), Folic acid should be taken daily for at least one month prior to becoming pregnant and daily during pregnancy.

Therefore, you could begin taking it even earlier. All women of reproductive age should take 400 microgrammes of folate daily. Verify that the multivitamin you take daily contains the appropriate amount. You can take folic acid pills if you're not interested in taking a multivitamin but before taking a pill, you must definitely connect with a fertility specialist.

According to the CDC, for pregnant women, the recommended daily intake of folic acid is as follows:

• 400 mcg: while attempting to conceive
• 400 mcg: throughout the first three months of pregnancy
• 600 mcg: throughout months four through nine of pregnancy
• 500 mcg: when nursing
• Women with history of previous pregnancy affected by NTDs, women with obesity & DM should take 5 mgl day.

Also Read: Best Sleeping Positions During Pregnancy

Does Folic Acid Have Any Effect on Fertility?

No, generally folic acid doesn't have any effect on fertility. Taking folic acid may increase the likelihood of becoming and remaining pregnant.

In 2016, nearly 4,000 women participated in a study that compared folic acid users with non-users. Those who took the supplement had a higher chance of becoming pregnant.

Additionally, because neural tube defects and other birth abnormalities can result in pregnancy loss, folic acid may help prevent this risk.

How to Consume Folic Acid During Pregnancy?

There are no mandatory guidelines for taking folic acid. It can be taken with or without food with a glass of water. However, it is important to take it as recommended by your doctor. Ask your doctor for the correct dosage and method if you don't already have one.

When Should You Stop Taking Folic Acid During Pregnancy?

There is no times when pregnant women must stop taking folic acid. It is very safe and effective so you don't have to worry even if you consume a higher dose.

But, remember never consume 2-3 doses together if you have forgotten to take one!

Well, here are some points on when the pregnant women (you) must avoid taking folic acid during pregnancy:

• If you have a folic acid allergy
• If you have excess folic acid levels (above 1000 mcg daily)
• If your doctor advises against it due to some medical conditions
• If you have certain genetic conditions like MTHFR gene mutation
• If you're already getting enough from diet & prenatal vitamins

Also Read: How to Control Thyroid during Pregnancy?

What is the Best Food with Folate?

Throughout pregnancy, your daily prenatal vitamin serves as a kind of nutritional backup plan, particularly on days when you're feeling too ill to eat. However, a nutritious diet cannot be replaced by a vitamin or supplement.

Consuming a lot of foods high in folate during pregnancy is essential because these foods are also packed with fibre, calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin C, among other key nutrients for the developing baby.

• Dark Leafy Vegetables
• Avocado
• Legumes & Lentils
• Broccoli
• Oranges
• Egg & Liver
• Fortified Breakfast Cereals

Continue to improve your nutrition by taking your folic acid-containing prenatal vitamin every day. Together with a diet high in folate, that supplement will assist set up a good start for both you and your unborn child.

To Sum Up

Everybody needs folic acid, but pregnant women need it more than anyone else.

Remember, there is no way to prevent a 100% birth defect but good food, the right diet and the correct lifestyle during pregnancy can help you prevent several diseases in your child. It is highly advised to discuss every part of your pregnancy with your doctor to know the correct dosage of each nutrient supplement.

Those who want to get pregnant, discuss the appropriate folic acid dosage with a healthcare professional. Don't wait for the right time, it starts the day you thought of a baby.