How does folic acid benefit during pregnancy?

Read in this article about how does folic acid benefit during pregnancy.

Folic acid is also known as folate. It is a water soluble form of vitamin B9. Serious birth defects are prevented if it is taken during or before pregnancy. However, if conception is being planned by a woman or if it is found that she is pregnant, then it is very essential that she increases the intake of folic acid.  This should be increased at least up to 400 mcg. According to the centers for disease control and prevention, if a woman takes folic acid on a daily basis, she can surely prevent 70 percent of the spine, neural tube and brain defects.

Given below are the benefits of folic acid during pregnancy

Normal cellular development of the unborn baby is facilitated by folic acid. This is not realized by many women. However, there is great importance of regular folic intake during and before pregnancy. According to various studies, women who do not consume folic acid or are deficient in folic acid have very high risks of giving birth to a premature baby.

1. The risk of cleft palate or cleft lip is minimized due to folic acid. This is a birth defect due to which the upper roof or the part of the mouth is affected
2. The risk of heart defects in the baby are minimized
3. Moreover, a quick and a healthy growth pattern is facilitated for the fetus and the placenta. If there is lack or absence of folic acid, the fetal growth and the cell division can be impaired.
4. An important role is played by the Folic acid in the production of DNA. These are the extra blood cells that are needed during pregnancy. Sometimes, they are needed for preventing the neural tube defects.
5. The proper formation of hemoglobin is also facilitated by folic acid
6. The possible risks of heart attack, Alzheimer’s disease, cancer and stroke are also prevented
7. The complications and the pain for both the mother and the baby can be prevented due to this simple vitamin. This is among the important benefits of folic acid during pregnancy

The occurrence of birth defects is usually found in the first 4 weeks of pregnancy. However, pregnancy cannot be figured out by women in the first few weeks. Therefore, the required amount of folic acid is not consumed by them. it is essential for women to talk to their obstetricians and find out the quantity of folate that is required for them.

Thus, one must never forget the benefits of folic acid during pregnancy.

Article Tags: Folic Acid During, Folic Acid, Acid During

Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com

ABOUT THE AUTHOR