Folic acid is essential for pregnant women. It is important to take it before in case you are deficient. Your doctor may advise you to take it during pregnancy also. The first tri-mester is the key. It prevents things like Spina-bifida which is where the spine does not close and they are actually born with a whole in the spine. It causes nerve and muscle damage and are unable to walk. I know this because my oldest son was born with spina-bifida. It is important during the 1st tri-mester because that's when the baby's spine with all the nerves forms and closes. You should eat lots of dark leafy veggies which is where folic acid is found. As far as other vitamins, yes you should be taking a pre-natal vitamin. The baby actually takes all the vitamins from you first so this will help you also during your pregnancy. It whill keep you from becoming anemic. My iron was so depleted when I was pregnant, that I had to take x-tra iron. So I would say, yes, definately take you all your vitamins and eat a good healthy diet.
2007-01-20 00:58:27
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answer #1
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answered by cinnycinda 4
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Yes, it's true that you should be taking folic acid before conception and also during the pregnancy. Folic acid helps prevent neural tube defects, and the reason that women are encouraged to start taking folic acid before getting pregnant is that most women do not discover that they are pregnant for several weeks. By that point the neural tube (which develops into the spine and brain) has already developed.
A regular multivitamin is fine to take during pre-conception and pregnancy and should cover all the bases in terms of what vitamins you need. Pretty much all multivitamins contain the daily allowance for folic acid so it doesn't matter which brand you use.
2007-01-19 15:32:17
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answer #2
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answered by Jen 2
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Doctors suggest that you begin to take folic acid in a vitamin supplement when you plan to start trying to become pregnant and that you continue to take the vitamins and folic acid during your entire pregnancy. Yes, folic acid is found to help reduce the risk of certain birth defects. If you are thinking about having a baby, you should make an appointment with a doctor to discuss the benefits of taking vitamins and folic acid during your pregnancy.
2007-01-19 15:28:03
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answer #3
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answered by Jennifer M 1
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It helps if you are already taking folic acid before you become pregnant, but if you are not; you should start taking them right away. I doesn't totally prevent birth defects, but it has what your baby needs to grow properly. You can continue to take your daily vitamin while you are pregnant. Everything helps! I know you need lots of Folic Acid , Iron and Calcium. Those I believe are the main ones. Good Luck.
2007-01-19 15:31:37
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answer #4
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answered by Anonymous
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Folic acid only prevents a certain type of defects called neural tube defects, not all. You need to take it throughout your pregnancy as well as before but what you find in your common prenatal vitamins will be sufficient unless otherwise stipulated by your doctor or nurse practitioner. Also do not over do it on vitamins too much of certain vitamins at certain times can cause defects as well. Mostly just contact your care provider.
2007-01-19 15:32:59
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answer #5
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answered by gourmetkid 3
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Continue taking folic acid throughout pregnancy. Folic acid helps prevent spina bifida among other things. A good prenatal multivitamin will have it and all the other vitamin supplements needed during pregnancy. There's no need to get a prescription for a prenatal vitamin, just go to walmart (or other store) and they will have them.
2007-01-19 15:27:49
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answer #6
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answered by Heather Y 7
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Folic acid is important before and during pregnancy. yes it helps prevent birth defects. taking a prenatal vitamin gives you most of the vitamins you need, but its still important to try to eat health meals and snacks.
2007-01-19 15:28:14
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answer #7
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answered by His submissive wife 3
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folic acid helps with cell differentiation and growth so taking it during pregnancy would be helpful too. <
you can get vitamins specifically for pregnancy at any drug store.
2007-01-19 15:33:26
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answer #8
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answered by sportslover123 2
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Drs recommend you take Folic Acid before conception, at least 3 months or more so it is in your system, it prevents spinal probs and the baby being born without a brain. Just prenatal vitamins when your pregnant, Drs will usually recommend one or prescribe you one. Good Luck!!!
2007-01-19 15:27:42
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answer #9
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answered by Tammy 2
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its good to take it before you are pregnant so as soon as you get pregnant the baby is already getting it. But yes you have to continue taking and eating FOlic ACid for the entire pregnancy it is so important for babies development. The b vitamins particularily b12 which are really good to get, iron is very important, omega-3 fatty acids are important for brain and eye development
2007-01-19 15:29:27
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answer #10
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answered by estkijedsco 4
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