Folic Acid And Pregnancy

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Folic Acid And Pregnancy

Folic acid and pregnancy are two things that should go hand in hand, well for the first 12 weeks anyhow.

You can go one better than taking folic acid during pregnancy and start taking it when you first start trying for a baby, and then continue to take it right through your first trimester.

Why should you take folic acid during pregnancy?

Everybody needs folic acid, also known as folate in their diet. Most adults need around 0.2mg a day, which can be derived from certain types of food. When you're pregnant, or thinking of starting a family, you should up your dosage to 0.4mg. Do check with your doctor or pharmacist as always.

Folic acid plays a huge roll in the prevention of neural tube defects. Malformations in the brain, spine and skull which can lead to illnesses such as spina bifida in your baby. It can also help with the prevention of limb defects such as cleft lip and palate. Folic acid can also reduce the risk of congenital heart defects, and can even help to prevent premature labor.

Are there any side effects from taking folic acid during pregnancy?

In a nutshell - No. Folic acid is a naturally occurring vitamin which everyone needs, so there will be no side effects for you or your baby.

You should start to take folic acid as soon as you decide to start trying for a baby. If you didn't know this and you're pregnant already then you should start to take a folic acid supplement straight the way. Talk to your doctor who can prescribe folic acid, or your pharmacist who can advise you on the recommended dose.

To see which foods contain folic acid, click here.

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