What are the side effects of taking folic acid when preparing for pregnancy?
Folic acid is a commonly used nutritional supplement during pregnancy preparation. It plays an important role in embryonic development and neural tube formation. However, taking folic acid can cause some side effects that we need to know and be aware of in order to make informed decisions.
1. Gastrointestinal discomfort: Some people may experience gastric discomfort, nausea, vomiting and other symptoms when taking folic acid. This is because folic acid will produce some gas during the metabolism process in the body, which can irritate the gastrointestinal tract and cause discomfort. If these symptoms occur, you can consider taking folic acid after meals, or reduce the dose and gradually adapt.
2. Allergic reactions: Some people may be allergic to folic acid and experience allergic reactions such as skin itching, redness and swelling, and difficulty breathing. If these symptoms occur, you should stop taking folic acid immediately and seek medical help.
3. Mask the symptoms of anemia: Folic acid can promote the production of red blood cells, but it cannot treat anemia. If you have anemia, taking folic acid may mask the symptoms of anemia and delay normal treatment. Therefore, before taking folic acid, it is best to check your hemoglobin levels to make sure you are not anemic.
4. Difficulty urinating: A small number of people may have difficulty urinating when taking folic acid. This is because folic acid can irritate the bladder and cause it to contract less smoothly. If this happens, you can try reducing the dose or adjusting the time you take the medication.
5. Drug interactions: Folic acid may interact with certain drugs, affecting their absorption, metabolism or effects. For example, the anti-seizure drug phenytoin and certain anti-cancer drugs may reduce the absorption of folic acid. Therefore, before taking folic acid, it is best to check with your doctor to see if there are any interactions with other medications.
In general, most people will not experience significant side effects when taking folic acid while trying to conceive. If you have any of the symptoms or allergic reactions mentioned above, you should stop taking folic acid immediately and seek medical help. Before taking folic acid, it is best to consult a doctor to understand your specific situation and make the correct medication according to the doctor\’s advice. Remember, folic acid is only a supplement during pregnancy and cannot replace a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.
