Is Folic Acid Important for Pregnancy?

You’ve no doubt heard about the importance of taking folic acid during pregnancy. But why? What does folic acid do and when should you start taking it?  Here’s what you need to know. 

What Is Folic Acid? 

Folic acid is the synthetic form of folate, also known as vitamin B9. Although folate is a natural component of foods like citrus fruits, leafy greens, and egg yolks, it’s hard to get enough folate through diet alone. And it’s especially difficult to consume enough folate throughout your pregnancy. That’s where folic acid comes in.

While both folate and folic acid are forms of vitamin B9, folic acid is better absorbed than folate and can easily be added to foods or made into a tablet. That’s important because your body requires vitamin B9 in order to make new cells, and is necessary for things like growing your hair and nails–and is also critical for your growing baby.  

Folic Acid Is Important for Babies

As mentioned above, your baby needs folic acid to grow and thrive. It’s especially important early on when your baby’s brain is forming. 

Some of the first structures your baby develops are neural tubes that go on to become your baby’s brain and spine. When you don’t get enough folic acid, it’s more likely that your baby’s neural tubes won’t form properly, leading to serious birth defects like spina bifida and anencephaly. Crucially, these structures often form before you even know you’re pregnant, making it important to take folic acid long before trying to conceive.

Folic acid is important for other parts of your baby’s body, too. For instance, your baby is less likely to be born with a cleft palate if you take a folic acid supplement. And congenital heart defects are less common in babies whose mothers consume enough folic acid before and during pregnancy.  

Taking a folic acid supplement is also linked with a lower risk of preterm birth. And the length of time you take folic acid appears to be as important as the dose when it comes to preventing preterm birth. Importantly, research has shown that women who took folic acid supplements for at least a year before becoming pregnant were the least likely to give birth prematurely. 

Folic Acid Is Also Important for You 

When you become pregnant, your body has to meet both your needs and those of your growing baby. One of the ways it does that is by increasing the amount of blood flowing through your body. However, it’s easy to become anemic during pregnancy if your body doesn’t produce enough red blood cells.

Folic acid plays an important role in generating enough red blood cells to keep up with the demand pregnancy places on your body. One study found that women who took higher doses of folic acid during pregnancy also had higher levels of hemoglobin (an important protein in red blood cells) when they delivered their babies. 

Taking folic acid may also help prevent some common pregnancy complications, including preterm labor and problems with development of the placenta.

How Much Folic Acid Is Important for Pregnancy?

Exactly how much folic acid you should take depends on your individual circumstance, and it’s always best to get advice from your doctor. However, there are some general rules to follow. 

According to the CDC, all women who are currently of childbearing age should take a daily folic acid supplement containing 400 micrograms of folic acid. Additionally, the CDC recommends eating plenty of foods that contain folate, like leafy greens, broccoli, and legumes (eg. beans, lentils, peas). Plus, your diet should include foods fortified with folic acid including bread, cereal, pasta and rice. 

If you are planning to try to conceive, you should increase the amount of folic acid you take to 4,000 mcg per day beginning a month before you want to become pregnant. Continue taking this higher dose through at least your first trimester. 

If you’ve already had a baby with a neural tube or congenital heart defect, your doctor may recommend you take a different amount of folic acid or begin taking a higher dose earlier. Additionally, be sure to tell your doctor about all the medications you take since some may interfere with your body’s ability to use folic acid. 

Nutritional Counseling at RHWC

Folic acid is one of the most important nutrients your body needs before, during, and after you become pregnant. 

At Reproductive Health & Wellness Center, our first priority is your health and assuring your  best chance at a successful pregnancy. Understanding how your diet and supplements, like folic acid, impact your ability to have a healthy pregnancy is essential to that goal. Our in-house nutritionist will work closely with you to develop a custom plan specific to your needs.

Are you ready to experience the RHWC difference? Schedule a consultation today.