Folic acid and pregnancy: what you need to know

Folic acid and pregnancyare closely linked. The main reason is that the former is essential during pregnancy because it helps prevent congenital malformations in the foetus. In this article, we will talk aboutfolic acid and what it is, what it is used for and what its benefits are during a stage like this.

What is folic acid?

Folic acid is an essential vitamin for a healthy pregnancy to develop, butwhat vitamin is folic acid? It belongs to the B vitamin group, which is involved in human metabolism, and it is also known as vitamin B9. Its function is to prevent neural tube defects (problems that may arise in the spinal cord or brain).

What is folic acid used for?

Ideally, you should takefolic acid before pregnancyand during the first few weeks. The main reason is that the defects mentioned usually arise during the first month. As a result, many abnormalities occur before most pregnant women know they are expecting. This is one of the reasons why it is recommended forwomen of childbearing age who are trying to get pregnant.On the other hand, it also helps prevent cleft lip, premature births and miscarriages. It is usually taken during the first three months of pregnancy, although some women are advised to take it throughout the whole pregnancy. In addition to the reasons mentioned above, otherbenefits of folic acidinclude the following:

• It plays a role in the production of red blood cells.
• It reduces the risk of autism.
• It helps prevent postnatal depression.
• It acts in DNA and RNA metabolism, which is why some doctors also involve men in taking this vitamin when they want to have children.

Folic acid and pregnancyare concepts that are often linked. Not taking this substance during pregnancy increases the risk of problems caused by a vitamin B9 deficiency.

How do you know if you need to take folic acid?

This is a vitamin that helps protect the baby from conception and prevents neural tube problems. However, it is also essential for other health issues. For this reason, it is advisable to see a doctor if you havesymptoms such as the following,whether you think you may be pregnant or not:

• Body aches.
• Mouth sores and a swollen tongue.
• Loss of taste.
• Small ulcers on the legs.
• Pale skin.
• Shortness of breath when carrying out physical activities.
• Digestive or menstrual problems.
• Diarrhoea, irritability or fatigue.
• Cognitive problems.

On the other hand,if a woman is trying to get pregnant, it is advisable for her to take folic acid every day. Even if she does not have any symptoms, it will still be essential, as we have already mentioned, in the weeks before conception and during the first weeks of pregnancy. Therecommended daily dose is 400 mg of folic acid,alongside a healthy, balanced diet. It can be taken on its own or as part of a multivitamin complex, and it can also be included in the diet. However, it is difficult to obtain the required amount of this vitamin from food alone, sorelying on a food supplement is usually the norm.

Are there any side effects?

Side effects of folic acid are not usually common if it is taken orally and at the correct dose. However, it may cause:

• Nausea.

• Irritability.
• Confusion.
• Loss of appetite.
• Changes in sleep patterns.
• A bad taste in the mouth.

On the other hand, a person may be allergic to this vitamin and, in that case, it can be identified by redness, itching and difficulty breathing.

How should you take folic acid?

Folic acid and pregnancyhave a very close relationship and, for that reason, in this new stage you need to take greater care with your diet. Folates are naturally found in certain foods:

• Beans.
• Whole grains.
• Nuts (almonds, chestnuts, flax seeds, sesame or sunflower seeds, and peanuts).
• Dark green leafy vegetables (chard, endives, lettuce, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, asparagus, spinach, beetroot, tomato, artichoke, pumpkin, carrot, celery, leek, cauliflower).
• Some fruits such as melons, bananas, oranges or avocados.
• Red meat and poultry (chicken, turkey...).
• Wholegrain cereals, as their folic acid content is higher than in refined cereals.
• Peas, chickpeas, beans and soya.

However, many professionals recommend that pregnant women get folic acid through a food supplement. The aim isto make sure they have adequate levelsso that the pregnancy can go to term without complications. In this case, you can choose differentpregnancy supplements, such as those we recommend below and which are available in ourFarmaciasdirectonlinecatalogue:

Natalben preconceptivo

This food supplement is designed to optimise a woman's normal ability to become pregnant, increasing her chances.It affects both fertility and the early stages of pregnancyand contains vitamin D5. It also includes zinc and iodine among its ingredients. The former is a substance involved in normal fertility and reproduction processes, while the latter supports the proper growth of the foetus. It also contains vitamin B12 andfolic acid to get pregnant(it supports the microenvironment for oocyte maturation and helps improve the chances of conception).

Femibion 2

From the second trimester of pregnancy onwards, a food supplement of this kind is recommended. The reason is that at this stagethe mother's nutritional needs increasebecause the baby is growing and requires an additional supply of nutrients. During this stage, folates must not be overlooked, because they are essential for forming blood cells, along with other nutrients that support the baby's proper development. Femibion 2 covers vitamin, omega-3 fatty acid and mineral needs. In addition, each capsule includes lutein.

Seidibion cápsulas

These capsules cover a woman's nutritional needs before conception, during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Developed byLaboratorios Seid, it is a supplementrich in DHA, vitamins, folic acid, iron and iodine. As we have seen, there is a close link betweenfolic acid and pregnancyand we have highlighted its importance during pregnancy. To ensure maximum absorption, remember that it is best taken on an empty stomach.

If you want to find out more about nutritional needs during pregnancy, we recommend reading about the best vitamins for pregnant women according to trimester