Do I need to supplement folic acid during pregnancy preparation? Find out!
1. Why supplementation is needed during pregnancy preparation Folic acid?
During the pregnancy preparation stage, a woman’s body needs to prepare for future pregnancy and fetal development. Folic acid is a B vitamin that is very important for fetal neural tube development. Folic acid supplementation may reduce the risk of neural tube defects such as spina bifida and cerebrospinal canal insufficiency. Therefore, women preparing for pregnancy should consider taking folic acid supplements.
2. How to intake folic acid
Folic acid can be obtained through dietary intake and supplementation. Some foods rich in folate include green leafy vegetables (such as spinach and kale), legumes (such as black beans and lentils), nuts and grains. However, dietary folic acid often cannot meet the needs during pregnancy preparation, so it is recommended to supplement folic acid supplements under the guidance of a doctor or professional.
3. Recommended dose of folic acid
Women preparing for pregnancy should supplement 400 to 800 micrograms of folic acid every day. This dose is designed to meet the body\’s need for folate and reduce the risk of neural tube defects. Although folate intake is relatively small, it is very important for the development of the embryo.
4. The best time to supplement folic acid
The optimal time for folic acid supplementation should be started at least one month before pregnancy. This ensures that folic acid reaches sufficient levels early in pregnancy to provide adequate nutritional support for the fetus\’s neural tube development. If pregnancy has already begun, folic acid supplementation should still be started immediately, as folic acid needs begin to increase early in pregnancy.
5. YeRelationship between Acid and Other Nutrients
There is a certain relationship between folic acid and other nutrients. For example, vitamin B12 and vitamin C can help with the absorption and utilization of folic acid. Therefore, while supplementing folic acid, you should also pay attention to adequate intake of vitamin B12 and vitamin C. In addition, iron and calcium are also important nutrients during pregnancy preparation and should be taken in reasonably.
In short, it is very important to supplement folic acid during the pregnancy preparation stage. Folic acid may reduce the risk of neural tube defects and support the developing nervous system of the fetus. It is recommended to supplement 400 to 800 micrograms of folic acid every day under the guidance of a doctor or professional. At the same time, pay attention to the coordinated intake with other nutrients to lay the foundation for a healthy pregnancy. Remember, trying to get pregnant is a special and wonderful time, enjoy the process and get ready for the baby to come!
