How many milligrams of folic acid should be consumed during pregnancy preparation?
During the pregnancy preparation stage, folic acid is a very important nutrient, especially for women. It helps prevent the development of neural tube defects in the fetus, and in the early stages after conception, folic acid intake can reduce the risk of congenital defects such as cleft lip and palate and heart disease. So, how many milligrams of folic acid do you need to take during pregnancy preparation?
1. Three months before women prepare for pregnancy:
In the first three months of pregnancy, it is recommended that women consume 400 to 800 micrograms of folic acid every day. This range of intake can meet the needs of most women and help prevent the occurrence of neural tube defects in the fetus.
2. Three months before pregnancy to 12 weeks of pregnancy:
Once you become pregnant, your folic acid needs increase. From the first three months to 12 weeks of pregnancy, it is recommended that women consume at least 400 micrograms of folic acid per day. This helps support healthy fetal development.
3. After 12 weeks of pregnancy:
Starting after 12 weeks of pregnancy, women should increase their daily folic acid intake to at least 600 micrograms. This is because the fetal neural tube development is essentially complete at this stage, but folic acid is still critical for the normal development of the fetal brain and spinal cord.
4. Folic acid requirements under special circumstances:
In some special circumstances, such as women with a history of pregnancy, multiple pregnancies, diabetes, or women taking certain medications, folic acid requirements may be higher. In these cases, it is recommended to consult a doctor or health care professional to determine the appropriate folic acid intake for the individual situation.
To summarize, the amount of folic acid you need to consume during pregnancy preparation is between 400 and 800 micrograms, and you need to increase it to at least 600 micrograms after pregnancy. Folate intake in this range helpsPrevents the occurrence of fetal neural tube defects and supports healthy fetal development. In special circumstances, folic acid requirements may vary and it is recommended to consult a doctor or healthcare professional for individualized advice. Remember, proper folic acid intake is an important step in ensuring a successful pregnancy and a healthy fetus.
