FREE Pregnancy
Counseling

Request A Callback

Fill in your details and our team will get back to you shortly.
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
x
Request A Callback

Role of Folic Acid during Pregnancy

Folic acid is a naturally occurring B vitamin. It helps in the development of neural tube in a fetus. Our body needs folic acid to produce red blood cells and DNA and is also important for the brain, nervous system and spinal fluid. The neural tube is the part of a developing baby that becomes the brain and spinal cord. When the neural tube does not close properly, a baby is born with a very serious birth defect called a neural tube defect (NTD). The good news is that folic acid can help prevent neural tube defects.

The most common neural tube defects are:

Spina bifida, an incomplete closure of the spinal cord and spinal column

Anencephaly, severe underdevelopment of the brain

Encephalocele, when brain tissue protrudes out to the skin from an abnormal opening in the skull

All of these defects occur during the first 28 days of pregnancy, usually before a woman even knows she is pregnant. Folic acid only works if taken before getting pregnant and during the first few weeks of pregnancy

Hence, it is important for all women of childbearing age to get enough folic acid and not just those who are planning to become pregnant for only 50% of pregnancies are planned. So any woman who could become pregnant should make sure to get enough folic acid.

It is recommended to take a daily supplement of 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid and eat a diet rich in folates. This will help protect the baby from birth defects, and reduce the risk of miscarriage. Foods rich in Folic Acid are leafy vegetables, asparagus, broccoli, beans, peas and lentils, avocado, seeds and nuts, cauliflower, carrots and citrus fruits like papaya, orange etc.

Folic acid is important for everyone in maintaining health. It plays an important role in the production of red blood cells. Folic acid may also help prevent certain health problems.

The folic acid in foods is delicate and can be destroyed by cooking. Hence, it is better to cook in a covered pan using the minimum amount of boiling water and to eat vegetables lightly steamed, microwaved, or raw.

Want to consult the best gynecologists in India? Please find the links below.

  1. Best Gynecologists in Bangalore
  2. Top Gynecologists in Chennai
  3. Top Obstetricians & Gynecologists in Mumbai
  4. Top Gynecologists near me in Pune
  5. Best Obstetricians & Gynecologists in Chandigarh
  6. Top Obstetricians & Gynecologists near me in Gurgaon
  7. Best Gynecologists near me in Noida

 

Want to consult the best Maternity Packages in India? Please find the links below.

  1. Best Maternity Packages in Bangalore
  2. Top Maternity Packages in Chennai
  3. Best Maternity Packages with Cost in Mumbai
  4. Best Maternity/ Delivery Packages with Charges in Pune
  5. Top Maternity Packages with Cost in Chandigarh
  6. Top Maternity/ Delivery packages with Charges in Gurgaon
  7. Best Pregnancy Packages in Noida

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.