how important is it to take folic acid - before you get pregnant or at early pregnancy or both? and Why?
2006-07-16 11:51:36 · 11 answers · asked by ActorTerri 1 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Trying to Conceive
It's very important to take folic acid at least one month before you start trying to get pregnant as it helps prevent against neural birth defects like spina bifida. Most supplements, including multi-vitamins, contain 400 mcg. of folic acid and this is the amt. you should take before you get pregnant (a baby's neural tube starts to develop at about 3 weeks after conception and some women don't even know they're pregnant at this point). You should take at least 600mcg. once you're pregnant. Most people don't get the folate they need from a regular diet, so supplements are recommended vs. just getting it from the food you eat on a daily basis. Also, according to babycenter.com, "... research shows that the body actually absorbs the synthetic version of this vitamin (found in supplements and enriched foods) much better than the version that occurs naturally in certain foods." The pills themselves are small and easy to swallow (and also aren't expensive), so the decision to take it should be a no-brainer if it can help bring you a healthy baby.
2006-07-16 13:10:04 · answer #1 · answered by tn80 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is extremely important, so important in fact, that all women of childbearing age are advised to take it. A woman needs adequate nutritional reserves already built up before pregnancy, including folic acid (folate). Folic acid is very important for reducing the risks of brain and spinal defects.
2006-07-16 12:46:05 · answer #2 · answered by blueEyes 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Folic acid is very important to prevent birth defects - it is good to take it when you begin trying because you don't always know you are pregnant right away
this article is really helpful in understanding folic acid - good luck!!
http://www.babycenter.com/refcap/pregnancy/pregnancynutrition/476.html
2006-07-16 12:23:32 · answer #3 · answered by pammy_6201 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They always say to start folic acid and prenatal at least a month before you get pregnant.
2006-07-16 11:55:44 · answer #4 · answered by little_angel_in_eugene 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
VERY IMPORTANT to take folic acid before and during pregnancy.... it prevents birth defects, spina bifida in particular.
2006-07-16 11:56:04 · answer #5 · answered by Janci 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My doctor had me start taking Prenatuals w/folic acid as soon as we started TTC.
2006-07-16 13:34:54 · answer #6 · answered by Karla S 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
folic acid is very important for your baby's brain development especially during the first trimester of pregnancy because it can prevent the development of Neural Tube Disorders (eg: spina bifida occulta, meningocele, myelomeningocele).
2006-07-16 16:44:12 · answer #7 · answered by Jacqueline 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take your doctor's recommended daily allowance at least but not too much more, it's recommended to avoid birth defects in the child. Take it through the process and up to delivery.
2006-07-16 11:55:47 · answer #8 · answered by ncmjohns 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
SO very important...it greatly reduces the risk of birth defects! Good luck! :)
2006-07-16 12:48:25 · answer #9 · answered by kendalandsam 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Talk to your doctor Terri. It is important because it helps fight against birth defects. That's why my doctor gave it to me, well so he told me. Check with your doctor, he knows all of the answers.
2006-07-16 12:13:22 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋