Folic Acid should be taken if you're planning to conceive or are already pregnant in the first trimester, says KK Women's and Children's Hospital's (KKH) Obstetrics & Gynaecology Department. Show Health advice for mother and babyTo prepare for your baby, you have to keep healthy! It's important to eat healthy and have a balanced diet. On top of that, if you want to become pregnant, you should avoid high levels of stress as there is a complex interplay between high stress levels and the menstrual cycle. Here are some things you can do to prepare for your impending pregnancy.
Prepare for a healthy pregnancy by taking folic acid 3 months aheadFolic Acid is something that all ladies should be taking if they are planning to conceive or are already pregnant in the first trimester. How much folic acid should you take if preparing for pregnancy?Folic acid is a safe supplement and a woman can take 5mg or at least 400 mcg of folic acid per day, ideally from 3 months prior to conception until week 12 of pregnancy. Folic Acid is a type of vitamin B that is needed for
Spina bifida is essentially a birth defect caused by incomplete closure of the spine which, depending on the severity can cause life-long medical deficits. Folic acid is highly recommended in ladies with a positive family history or previous child with spinal bifida. Also, for those intending to get pregnant, do ensure that you have immunity to the following:
If you don't, do set aside some time (~3 months before conception) as certain vaccine courses require a longer period of completion and are safer to be given in a non-pregnant state. The reason for keeping up to date with your vaccinations is that some of the above diseases can be harmful to both mother and child. In the worst case scenarios, they could lead to birth defects that are not easily picked up on ultrasound, miscarriages or even chronic illnesses in your child. Click the link for the complete listing of articles for Pregnancy Week 1 - Week 40. Ref: L20 As soon as you start trying for a baby, you should take a daily supplement containing 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid. Some experts recommend that you start taking it up to three months before you conceive, but if you've already started trying, or are already pregnant, try not to worry - just start taking it as soon as possible. You should continue taking it until you're 12 weeks pregnant. In some circumstances, your GP may prescribe a higher dose of folic acid, usually 5 milligrams (mg), which is 5,000 micrograms, per day. This may be the case if:
If any of the above apply to you, make an appointment with your GP to ask how much folic acid she recommends for your individual needs. If you have sickle cell anaemia or thalassaemia, you'll be advised to take folic acid throughout your entire pregnancy. What is folic acid, and why do I need it? Folic acid is also known as vitamin B9. This essential nutrient won't help you get pregnant, but it's crucial for your developing baby's health once you do conceive. Folic acid has been proven to greatly reduce the risk of babies developing serious brain and spinal cord problems such as spina bifida. In the first few weeks of pregnancy, the bundle of nerves that will eventually become your baby's spine and central nervous system is known as the neural tube. If something goes wrong as it develops, this is known as a neural tube defect (NTD). Sadly, in some cases this can result in a lifelong disability. Folic acid helps the neural tube to develop healthily. Because the neural tube develops so early in pregnancy, you may not realise you've conceived when it happens. This is why you should start taking folic acid as soon as you begin trying for a baby, and ideally up to three months before you do conceive. You can buy folic acid as a single supplement, or as part of a multivitamin designed for women who are pregnant or trying to conceive. Check the label or ask your pharmacist for advice on which supplements contain the recommended amount. Don't take a supplement containing vitamin A if you might be pregnant, as this isn't safe for developing babies. Once you do conceive, it's also recommended that you take a supplement containing 10 micrograms of vitamin D every day. If you're taking multiple supplements, it's a good idea to have a quick chat with your pharmacist to make sure you're getting a safe balance of nutrients. Some women find they often forget to take their supplement each day. If you're among them, try setting an alarm on your phone to remind you. If you're on a low income, or are under 18, you may be able to get free vitamin supplements containing folic acid once you have conceived. This is part of the government's Healthy Start scheme. As well as taking a supplement, you can increase the amount of naturally occurring folic acid (folate) in your diet. Folate is found in small amounts in many foods. Good sources include:
Liver is also a source of folate, however it's best to avoid it while you're trying to conceive. This is because it contains high levels of vitamin A, which isn't safe for your baby once you do become pregnant. Like many vitamins, folate is water-soluble and is easily destroyed by cooking. Steam, microwave or stir-fry vegetables, rather than boiling them, to retain as much goodness as possible. More tips and advice
 Polly Logan-Banks is an experienced editor with a keen interest in producing evidence-based content. Polly is passionate about ensuring that every child gets the best start in life. Can folic acid help me to get pregnant?Everybody is different when it comes to fertility and the likelihood of conceiving. Folic acid supplements when taken as part of a multivitamin are associated with an increased likelihood of pregnancy. They are also essential nutrients that every woman should take when planning to get pregnant.
How long do I need to take folic acid before getting pregnant?If you're planning to have a baby, it's important that you take folic acid tablets for two to three months before you conceive. This allows it to build up in your body to a level that gives the most protection to your future baby against neural tube defects, such as spina bifida.
|
Taking folic acid can help you get pregnant
Related Posts
Copyright © 2024 hanghieugiatot Inc.
