Pregnancy preparation is the stage of preparation for pregnancy. It is a crucial stage for couples who are about to become parents. During pregnancy preparation, folic acid intake plays an important role in the healthy development of the expectant mother and baby. If you do not consume enough folic acid while preparing for pregnancy, it may have some health effects. Below I will focus on explaining several possible effects of not taking folic acid when preparing for pregnancy.
1. Increased risk of fetal neural tube defects: Folic acid plays a vital role in the development of fetal neural tubes. Without adequate folic acid intake during pregnancy, the normal development of the fetal neural tube may be affected, increasing the risk of neural tube defects such as spina bifida.
2. Increased risk of premature birth: Folic acid is not only important for fetal neural tube development, but also for the normal growth and development of the fetus. Not getting enough folic acid while trying to conceive may increase the risk of premature birth, resulting in a baby with a lower birth weight that may require more medical care.
3. Increased risk of anemia: Folic acid plays an important role in the hemoglobin synthesis process. Insufficient folic acid intake when preparing for pregnancy may lead to insufficient folic acid in the body, affecting the normal synthesis of hemoglobin, thus increasing the risk of anemia. Anemia can cause the mother to feel tired and weak, and may affect the normal development of the fetus.
4. Increased risk of pregnancy-induced hypertension: Lack of folic acid when preparing for pregnancy may increase the risk of pregnancy-induced hypertension. Pregnancy-induced hypertension is a serious pregnancy complication that can cause health problems for both mother and fetus. Adequate folic acid intake can help maintain stable blood pressure and reduce the risk of pregnancy-induced hypertension.
5. Decreased immune system function: Not consuming enough folic acid while preparing for pregnancy may lead to decreased immune system function. A healthy immune system is important for both mother and fetus to protect them from disease and infection. If you do not consume enough folic acid while preparing for pregnancy, your immune system may be weakened and your risk of infection may increase.
Therefore, insufficient intake of folic acid when preparing for pregnancy may have a series of health effects. In order to ensure the health of yourself and your baby, it is recommended to start taking folic acid supplements while preparing for pregnancy. It is best to start taking folic acid supplements three months before pregnancy. In addition, the diet should also include foods rich in folic acid, such as green leafy vegetables, beans and grains. Remember, before starting any supplement, it’s best to seek your doctor’s advice to ensure it’s appropriate for your individual situation. I wish you good luck with your pregnancy and good health!
