why is it really important to take folic acid?

Answer 1

it help reduces birth defects such as;
Neural Tube Defects (NTDs)
Folic Acid Reduces the Risk of NTDs
If you are a woman who may become pregnant, taking folic acid on a daily basis before pregnancy can help prevent serious birth defects in your unborn baby.

All women who could become pregnant are at risk of having babies with neural tube defects. These are serious birth defects that consist of abnormalities in the baby's brain, skull or spine.

Women can work with their health professionals to reduce this risk significantly by seeking their advice on how to take folic acid.

Neural Tube Defects (NTDs)
The neural tube is the part of the developing baby that eventually becomes the brain and spinal cord. Neural tube defects (NTDs) occur when the neural tube fails to close completely during the early weeks of pregnancy. At this early stage, many women do not even know that they are pregnant. About 260 babies are born each year in Canada with an NTD.

Spina bifida is the most common NTD. The effects of spina bifida are quite varied. These effects can range from severe physical disabilities and developmental delay, to problems that can be corrected by surgery. The most common effects are limited use of the lower limbs, and bowel and bladder limitations.

Another NTD is anencephaly, a condition in which the brain either fails to develop completely, or does not develop at all. Pregnancies affected by this condition often end in miscarriage. Babies born with anencephaly die very soon after birth.

Folic Acid Reduces the Risk of NTDs
Folic acid, or folate, one of the B vitamins is essential to the normal development of a baby's spine, brain, and skull, especially during the first weeks of pregnancy.

Research has shown that women who take a daily vitamin supplement containing folic acid before conception and in the early weeks of pregnancy can reduce the risk of having a baby with an NTD.

Women at Higher Risk
If you have a personal or family history of NTDs, you should consult your doctor. You may be advised to take a higher daily dosage of folic acid. If you have diabetes, epilepsy, or if you are obese, you may be at higher risk of having a baby with an NTD. You should discuss these risk factors with your doctor before planning your pregnancy.

Answer 2

To prevent Spina Bifida. Children with this condition may have trouble controlling their bladders and coordinating movements of their legs. The degree of damage depends on where the abnormality appears on the spinal cord. The higher up the spinal cord it is, the more likely the child will have serious problems with their leg muscles, bowel and bladder function.
The folic acid should be taken before a woman plans to conceive as an important time for folic acid supplementation is the first weeks of pregnancy, a time at which a woman may not be aware that she is pregnant

Answer 3

Folic acid helps rapidly growing cells in the body (like a fetus). When your folic acid levels are too low, there may be birth defects. It is important to not only take folic acid supplements (included in your prenatal vitamin), but you should also avoid things which are considered anti-folates like green tea.

Answer 4

Folic acid during pregnancy can help prevent the baby from developing neural tube defects in it's body.

Answer 5

it is maximum major in the course of the first few weeks of your being pregnant, even as maximum women dont even recognize they're pregnant yet. that is why it is reported that you commence taking it previously you attempt to get pregnant. Folic acid is needed in the fashion of the neuro tube and help prevents spinabifida and different neuro tube defects. The 2d and third trimester it continues to be solid, yet no longer everywhere close to as needed as in the first trimester. it is recent in prenatal supplementations wheich must be taking the entire time you're pregnant and nursing/

Answer 6

folic acid precents certain defects such as cleft lip and cleft palate

Answer 7

Yes, it prevents malnutrition and provides healthy nutrients for the body.

Answer 8

it prevents birth defects.