2007-03-28 17:44:03 · 6 answers · asked by kelleygaither2000 1 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Trying to Conceive
as far as I know, folic acid doesn't affect your fertility.
The reason you are told to take it when you are trying to become pregnant is that it helps prevent a nasty birth defect called spina bifida. This birth defect is caused by the tube that forms the spinal cord not closing at the bottom end. It causes extreme pain, and many neurological/developmental issues.
You're supposed to start taking it as soon as you find out that you are pregnant. Taking it before you get pregnant reduces the risk even more.
2007-03-28 17:50:55 · answer #1 · answered by melanie 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Technically- folic acid doesn't affect fertility in any way. It is essential to cell development-especially genetic cells, ie: eggs and sperm that contain a baby's genetic make-up; and for brain development. Deficiencies in folic acid can be responsible for neural tube defects (spina bifida) in infants that can cause severe life long disabilities.
Anyone who is planning to get pregnant should be taking a prenatal vitamin to ensure the health of the baby. But most people find out they are pregnant by surprise and in most cases baby is fine, but pregnant mom's should still be taking a prenatal vitamin or eating very healthy.
good website with more info:
http://www.babyhopes.com/articles/folic-acid.html
2007-03-28 17:55:35 · answer #2 · answered by mlcacek 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Im not sure if it affects fertility in a negative way. If you are of childbearing age and are trying to conceive (even if your not and "accidentally" become pregnant. Folic acid is one of the best things to take. It can prevent neural tube defects. The spinal cord is one of the first things that is formed in the fetus. Most of the damage is done before you even realize that you are pregnant (from conception up to 4 weeks of pregnancy). 75% of neural tube defects are preventable just by taking the Daily Recommended Intake (DRI).
2007-03-28 17:57:38 · answer #3 · answered by Cat 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
folic acid got nothing to do with fertility but very important for the fetus....start taking it before u TTC
2007-03-28 18:31:34 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
it doesnt effect fertility but if taken from 30 days prior conception helps optimal development of the fetus
2007-03-28 17:51:07 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its good to take because it goes more to the babies brain.. :D
2007-03-28 17:47:52 · answer #6 · answered by blue_is_troo 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋