Importance of Folic Acid Before and After Pregnancy

With urbanization and modified lifestyles, pregnancy is something that has to be keenly supervised for having a healthy one. That is the reason Sonography is done so frequently during pregnancy these days so that any problem in the Fetus or mother is detected prior. An average of 400 micrograms of Folic acid per day is required before and during pregnancy.

Women are strong within but delicate regarding health. That is the reason these extra supplementation is required.

Folic Acid pre and post conception

During pregnancy cells divide, grow and help forming the fetus. Thus Uterus enlarges and Placenta develops. Amidst this process Folic Acid is an essential nutrient.

An important reason for supplementation is to prevent birth anomalies like Neural Tube defect, defects of other systems like that of Urinary tract, skeletal, Heart and Kidneys. Apart from that facial abnormalities like Cleft lip and Cleft palate can be discarded.

Brain and spine related defects can be totally negated in newborn with Folic Acid.

Time for consumption of Folic Acid

When you are planning for a baby, start your dose right then. Continue it throughout pregnancy until you are Breast feeding.

Natural supplements of Folic Acid that includes healthy eating plan

•  In green leafy vegetables, Spinach and Lettuce are enriched sources
• In fruits, Grape and Oranges are the best
• Nuts like peanuts and almonds and seeds like Sunflower and flax seeds.
• Cruciferous vegetables like Broccoli and cauliflower
• Lentils like beans, peas are also good resource

Folic Acid Awareness Week 2015

January 4^th-10^th is observed as a Folic Acid Awareness Week to promote the importance of utilization of it before and during pregnancy to prevent Birth defects in new born as January is also the month of ‘’prevention of Birth Defects’’.

Every woman of the child bearing age should make a pledge of taking it for the healthy growth of the baby and safe pregnancy.