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Taking Folate Before Pregnancy: Why is it so Important?

Team AckoFeb 8, 2024

Folic acid is also known as a pregnancy superhero! Taking folic acid before and during pregnancy can help prevent birth defects of your baby's brain and spinal cord. Let’s take a closer look at this vital supplement.

Contents

Why do you need to take Folic Acid?
When should you start taking Folic Acid?
How much Folic Acid do you need?
Why should you start taking Folic Acid before you're planning to conceive?
In which cases would you require extra Folic Acid?
How can you get enough Folic Acid?
Can you get enough Folic Acid just from foods?
Which foods contain Folic Acid?

What is Folic Acid?

Folic acid is a type of vitamin B. Our bodies use it to make new cells each day. Folic acid is the synthetic or manmade form of folate that is used in supplements and in fortified foods such as rice, pasta, bread, and some breakfast cereals.

Why do you need to take Folic Acid?

This vitamin is particularly important to a baby’s health and development.

Folic acid helps prevent certain major birth defects of the baby’s brain (anencephaly) and spine (spina bifida). Other problems including cleft palate and some heart defects have also been related to inadequate folic acid intake.

When should you start taking Folic Acid?

Birth defects can occur within the first 3-4 weeks of pregnancy. So, it's vital to have folate in your system during those early weeks when your baby's brain and spinal cord are developing. Studies have shown that women who took folic acid for at least a year before getting pregnant reduced their chances of premature delivery by 50% or more.

How much Folic Acid do you need?

To make sure you have enough folic acid in your body to prevent neural tube defects, it is recommended that women who plan to conceive should take 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid daily.

Why should you start taking Folic Acid before you're planning to conceive?

Taking folic acid after you discover you’re pregnant is not soon enough. Many women don’t discover that they’re pregnant until six weeks or more after conception. Neural tube defects can occur during the first month of pregnancy, often before you realize you’re pregnant. If pregnancy is in your future plans, you should consider adding a folate supplement to your daily diet.

In which cases would you require extra Folic Acid?

There are certain cases in which you could require a higher daily supplement of folic acid. These cases include the following:

1. If you did not plan your pregnancy and were not taking supplements when it started

2. If you are taking any medications.

3. If you have a history of alcohol overuse or smoking.

4. If you have had gastric bypass surgery.

5. If you have a condition such as diabetes, epilepsy, obesity, or liver disease.

6. If you are aware of neural tube defects that have occurred in your family such as siblings, parents, and cousins.

7. If you have carried a previous baby (liveborn or stillborn) with a neural tube defect.

How can you get enough Folic Acid?

There are two ways in which you can get your required intake of folic acid:

1. By eating foods with folate from a varied diet.

2. By taking a vitamin that has folic acid in it.

Can you get enough Folic Acid just from foods?

Many foods contain folic acid. However, it may be difficult to gauge exactly how much you’re getting unless you track the amounts of folate and folic acid in everything you eat. Additionally, if you have morning sickness during your early pregnancy, it may be difficult to eat enough fortified foods to get the folic acid you require.

There’s no guarantee that you will get enough folic acid from food alone, so a supplement is highly advisable.

Which foods contain Folic Acid?

Folate can be found in foods such as:

-Meats and liver

-Dried beans and legumes

-Peanuts

-Some whole grains

-Citrus fruits, especially oranges and orange juice

-Dark green, leafy vegetables like spinach and broccoli

Remember – don’t wait until you find out you’re pregnant to start your folic acid intake. By then, it may be too late. Talk to your doctor today to determine the correct amount of folic acid you’ll need.

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Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only, based on industry experience and secondary sources. It is not a substitute for professional advice. Please consult a qualified expert for health or insurance-related decisions. Content is subject to change, refer to current policy wordings for specific ACKO details.

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