Folic acid in pregnancy planning

So you decided to plan the birth of the baby. Scheduled examination of the body, tests, many specialists. And, finally, you got to the most important female doctor - a gynecologist. He gave you a lot of recommendations and prescribing folic acid. What is this mysterious acid? Do you really need to drink it and what does it affect? In fact, all gynecologists at the scheduled reception strongly recommend the intake of folic acid in planning pregnancy, and correctly do. Why? In this article, we will try to tell all about this indispensable vitamin.

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Dosage of folic acid in pregnancy planning

For the full formation of the fetus, the recommended dosage of folic acid in planning pregnancy, as well as for pregnant women, is only 0.0004 g per day (either 0.4 mg or 400 μg).

To preparations containing vitamin B9 it is possible to carry:

• Folic acid in tablets (one tablet contains 1 mg of vitamin);
• folacin (one tablet contains 5 mg of vitamin);
• Elevit Pronatal (one tablet contains 0.8 mg of vitamin);
• Pregnavit (one capsule contains 0.75 mg of vitamin);
• Materna (one tablet contains 1 mg of vitamin);
• Vitrum Pronatal (in one capsule contains 0.8 mg of vitamin);
• MultiTabs (one tablet contains 0.4 mg of vitamin);
• Pregnacarea (one tablet contains 0.4 mg of vitamin).

When taking medications containing folic acid in planning pregnancy, you need to remember that the absorption of the substance decreases with simultaneous use with antiepileptic, anti-tuberculosis, nitrofuran drugs, as well as antacids, sulfonamides, aspirin and hormonal contraceptives. It is best to take medication one hour before a meal.

It is best to take vitamin B9 in combination with vitamin C. It is also necessary to know that the synthesis of this substance occurs in the large intestine with the direct participation of bifidobacteria, so it is very important to have a normal intestinal microflora.

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The Benefits of Folic Acid for Pregnancy

Folic acid or vitamin B9 is a water-soluble vitamin, which plays a very important role in hemopoiesis and stimulates cell multiplication. Previously, vitamin B9 was considered a purely female vitamin, but now it is proved that its sufficient number in men affects spermatogenesis (the process of sperm formation).

The use of folic acid for pregnancy is difficult to overestimate. Studies have shown that it is this vitamin that affects the timely closure of the neural tube (reduces the risk of not closing by 98%), stimulates fetal cell division and plays an important role in the hematopoiesis of the baby. The acute shortage of vitamin B9 in the fetus can cause slow mental development, a defect in the development of the brain or spinal cord, the formation of cerebral hernia and hydrocephalus. A pregnant woman may experience anemia and a defect in the development of the placenta. Therefore, it is very important to consume enough of this vitamin at the planning stage and the first weeks of pregnancy.

Overdose of folic acid

To get an overdose of vitamin B9 is quite difficult, since its excess is excreted by the kidneys. But prolonged intake of increased dosage can lead to the accumulation of folacin salts, which can lead to vomiting, upset stomach, nervous condition and insomnia.

Folic acid in the planning of pregnancy plays a very important role, so do not neglect its purpose. Doctors recommend taking this vitamin for preventive purposes at least three months before the planned conception. It is also prescribed during pregnancy and breastfeeding of an infant to prevent shortages.

Symptoms of Folic Acid Deficiency in Pregnancy

The most frequent deficiency of folic acid suffer during the winter period when they consume insufficient amount of fresh vegetables and fruits. Below we give the main symptoms of a deficiency of this vitamin in the body:

• chronic fatigue syndrome;
• neurosis, restlessness, insomnia;
• memory impairment, forgetfulness, apathy;
• lack of appetite, heaviness in the stomach, indigestion;
• stomatitis, hair loss, dry skin.

If you have more than four signs, then it is possible to assume the presence of vitamin B9 deficiency. But this is not a cause for concern. To exclude the negative effects on the fetus, it is worth to consult your gynecologist. He will prescribe the correct dosage or advise another drug containing this vitamin. Define the accuracy of folate deficiency will help the analysis of blood from the vein. The blood serum should contain a norm of 3 to 17 ng / ml of vitamin.

Sources of folic acid

What kind of food should be taken into account to avoid a deficiency of folate during pregnancy? Relatively recently (only in 1941), this vitamin was isolated from spinach leaves, due to which they learned that it is found most of all in green vegetables. Also vitamin B9 can be found in some fruits. So, the most necessary products for the prevention of deficiency of folic acid during pregnancy are:

• green leafy vegetables (spinach, lettuce, parsley);
• yeast and bran;
• cereals (buckwheat, oatmeal, wheat);
• beans (beans, lentils, soybeans, green peas, asparagus);
• fruits (pamela, melon, bananas, apricots);
• meat (beef, pork, lamb, chicken)
• by-products (liver, heart, kidneys);
• nuts and honey.

When you eat foods rich in this vitamin, you should remember that if they are stored for a long time, almost half of it is destroyed. And with heat treatment, up to 80% of the valuable substance is lost. Therefore, in winter it is very important to use this useful substance in a tablet form.