Do I need to take folic acid during pregnancy preparation? Do you have to eat it?
The pregnancy preparation stage is a critical period when preparing for pregnancy. Expectant mothers often pay special attention to their diet and nutritional intake. In the field of pregnancy preparation guidelines, the importance of folic acid has always attracted much attention. So, is it necessary to take folic acid during pregnancy preparation? Is it necessary to eat it? Let’s learn more about it.
First of all, we need to understand what folic acid is. Folic acid is a water-soluble B vitamin that is essential for fetal neural tube development. In early pregnancy, the neural tube is the basis of embryonic development, and folic acid intake can prevent the risk of neural tube defects in the fetus.
Secondly, expectant mothers do need to take extra folic acid during pregnancy preparation. According to medical research, consuming 400-800 micrograms of folic acid every day during pregnancy can effectively prevent the occurrence of fetal neural tube defects. Furthermore, folic acid can help increase pregnancy rates and reduce the risk of early miscarriage.
In addition, folic acid intake is not only important for fetal development, but also beneficial to the health of expectant mothers themselves. Folic acid can help synthesize and repair DNA and participate in the production of red blood cells. Therefore, consuming enough folic acid can prevent anemia and other health problems.
So, how should we consume folic acid during pregnancy preparation? We can get enough folic acid through diet and supplements. Foods rich in folic acid in the diet include green leafy vegetables (such as spinach, rapeseed), beans (such as lentils, black beans), eggs, lean meat, etc. At the same time, you can also choose to take folic acid supplements to ensure adequate intake.
It should be noted that it is best to start taking folic acid in advance rather than waiting until after pregnancy to start supplementing. Because in the early stages of pregnancy, the development of the fetal neural tube has begun, the role of folic acid is particularly important at this time. In addition, folic acid intake is best continued until about 12 weeks of pregnancy, because at this time the closure of the fetal neural tube has been completed.
In summary, you do need to take folic acid during pregnancy preparation, and the intake should comply with medical recommendations. Although folic acid is not necessary, it is very important for the development of the fetal neural tube and for the health of expectant mothers themselves. Obtaining enough folic acid through diet and supplements, starting in advance and continuing until about 12 weeks of pregnancy, can best protect the health of the fetus. If you have any questions while preparing for pregnancy, it is best to seek advice from your doctor or professional. I wish all expectant mothers good luck in preparing for pregnancy and have healthy babies!
