Some Essential Folic Acid Supplements in Pregnancy

Folic acid is also known as Folate. It is needed for making new cells in the body. Too much of folic acid is not stored in the body. Fresh and a regular supply is needed for keeping the body healthy. A good supply of folic acid is needed by pregnant women in particular. The Folic Acid Supplements in Pregnancy are very useful for the development of the baby. The early stages of pregnancy are very important for women. Thus, these folic acid supplements are required by women when they are planning their pregnancy.

1. There are many foods that contain folic acid. These include sprouts, broccoli, spinach, potatoes and green beans.  Some breakfast cereals and breads are filled with folic acid. Hence, there must be a variation in the intake for each individual.
2. If Folic Acid Supplements in Pregnancy are taken, the risk of having a baby with spinal cord problems is greatly reduced. This is because a good and regular supply of folic acid is required by the spinal cord. There is some evidence that the risk of having a baby with cleft palate and lip is also reduced. The risk of premature labor and heart defect is also reduced.
3. Folic acid supplements must be taken before becoming pregnant. The common advice is that it must be taken from the time, one plans to become pregnant. If pregnancy is not planned, folic acid supplements should be taken for becoming pregnant.
4. It is shown by a recent study that folic acid must be taken one year prior to becoming pregnant. The effect of folic acid reduced the preterm labor as well as the delivery of the premature baby.  There was a significant decrease in the rate of preterm delivery for women who had been taking folic acid.

The dosage of Folic Acid Supplements in Pregnancy is 400 mcg.  If the risk for having a child with a spinal cord problem is increased, then the dose must be higher. A prescription is required for this dose if

1. A woman has had a previously affected pregnanct
2. If there is defect in the spinal cord of the partner
3. If the medication is being taken for epilepsy
4. If the woman is obese and if her body mass index is more than 30
5. If a woman is having diabetes, celiac disease, thalassaemia or sickle cell anemia etc.