Folic Acid During Pregnancy

introduction

Some vitamins and nutrients have an increased need during pregnancy. Folic acid is particularly important for the child's development. Therefore, pregnant women are advised to take folic acid due to the increased need. If there is a deficiency during pregnancy, the risk of undesirable developments in the child increases. However, one should know that taking folic acid in the recommended doses does not offer a 100% guarantee against malformations. However, the risk is significantly reduced by taking folic acid.

Why should you take folic acid during pregnancy?

Folic acid is very important for the development of the unborn child. Therefore, the need for folic acid is increased during pregnancy. The so-called neural tube develops in an embryo in the first 4 weeks. The spinal cord and brain are then formed from this neural tube. Folic acid is very important for the formation of the neural tube. It has been shown that there is an increased incidence of incomplete closure of the neural tube with folic acid deficiency. This can lead to malformations of the spine, spinal cord, and brain.
This does not mean that malformations are inevitable if there is a folic acid deficiency or if you do not take additional folic acid, but the risk is increased. The most common malformations on the lower back, known as spina bifida, can vary in severity. In the case of slight malformations, only the vertebral body is not fully developed. In severe cases, the skin over the area is defective and there is a bulge in which the membranes of the spinal cord and possibly the spinal cord itself are located. Possible consequences are paralysis in the legs.
The only possible therapy is surgical reconstruction. Malformations in the brain are less common. Parts of the skull bone or the brain cannot be formed. In bad cases the child is not viable.

Read more on the subject at: Development of the embryo

How should the folic acid be dosed?

Doctors recommend a daily dose of 400-550 µg to prevent neural tube defects in children. Although this dose does not guarantee 100% protection, it significantly reduces the risk of neural tube defects.

Should you take folic acid when you are trying to get pregnant?

Yes, in any case it makes sense to take folic acid when you are already trying to get pregnant. The decisive development of the neural tube already takes place in the third and fourth week. At this point in time, the pregnancy may not be known.It is therefore very advisable to take folic acid when you are trying to get pregnant so that you can meet your folic acid requirements in the first few weeks. In addition, the folic acid stores can be replenished by the additional intake, so that there is no deficiency at the time of pregnancy.

How long should I take folic acid?

The development of the neural tube and organ formation is completed by the 12th week. Therefore, folic acid no longer has any influence on this. However, continued folic acid intake is still useful. Folic acid is generally important for cell division in the body, which of course occurs more frequently during pregnancy. In addition, folic acid deficiency can lead to anemia, which must be avoided in any case during pregnancy.

It is therefore recommended to take folic acid if possible up to the 12th week of pregnancy if you want to have children. If necessary, folic acid can also be taken throughout pregnancy and while breastfeeding.

Can you overdose on folic acid?

An overdose of folic acid is hardly possible, as folic acid, which is taken too much, is usually excreted in the urine without any problems. However, an overdose of folic acid can mask a vitamin B12 deficiency. Vitamin B12 is important, among other things, for adequate replication of blood cells. A daily intake of 1000 µg folic acid should therefore not be exceeded.

What do folic acid supplements cost?

The cost range for folic acid supplements is very wide. Simple preparations from the drugstore are available for little money. The requirement for the first month can be covered with two or three euros. Of course, there are hardly any upper limits. Preparations that are made especially for pregnant women and contain other dietary supplements are significantly more expensive. The costs per month can be 20/30 € or higher.

Which preparations are suitable for pregnant women?

There are many different products from different companies on the market. Folic acid is also available as a dietary supplement in drugstores for little money. But there are also many preparations that are particularly aimed at pregnant women and women who want to have children. These often contain other important nutrients. It can also be helpful here to seek advice from the pharmacy or to talk to the gynecologist about it.

Femibion®

Femibion® is a company that produces various dietary supplements especially for pregnant women and women who want to become pregnant. There is a special package for each phase of pregnancy (baby planning, for the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, for the rest of the pregnancy and breastfeeding). In addition to folic acid, these supplements contain other beneficial nutrients.

Read more on the subject at: Femibion®