Most doctors advise women of reproductive age to take folic acid, which does not necessarily help women get pregnant but certainly does help prevent genetic disabilities or birth defects and pregnancy difficulties. Folic acid becomes a significant part of any woman’s pregnancy journey. Another crucial supplement to boost a healthy pregnancy is Vitamin D. Some women might be advised higher doses of folic acid for pregnancy due to various medical reasons, such as neural tube faults or severe cases of anemia. Folic acid tablets are available in most pharmacies and clinics. Females trying to conceive must have the respective folic acid dose prescribed. Folic acid tablets for pregnancy are an important part of prenatal care, offering a multitude of benefits for both mother and baby. Dr. Asmita Dongare is the best High-Risk Pregnancy Specialist in Wakad, Pune and she gives details about why folic acid plays a crucial role during pregnancy.

What is Folic Acid?
Folic acid, a synthetic form of folate, belongs to the B-vitamin family, specifically B9. It is a crucial building block for DNA synthesis, red blood cell formation, and cell division. Essentially, folic acid aids in rapid cell growth and tissue formation, making it indispensable for fetal growth.

Why is Folic Acid Important Before and During Pregnancy?
Before birth and during early pregnancy, folic acid plays a key role in stopping neural tube defects (NTDs) like spina bifida and anencephaly. NTDs occur in the early steps of pregnancy when the neural tube fails to close correctly, potentially leading to severe difficulties in the baby’s brain and spine. Sufficient folic acid intake greatly reduces the risk of such birth defects.

When Should We Start Taking Folic Acid?
Ideally, women planning to conceive should start taking folic acid supplements at least three months before birth. Since neural tube defects develop in the early weeks of pregnancy, having sufficient folic acid in the body during this critical period is vital. However, if the pregnancy is unplanned, it’s urgent to begin folic acid supplementation as soon as possible after discovering the pregnancy.

Benefits of Consuming Folic Acid Tablets for Pregnancy:
Folic acid supplements help pregnant women reduce and prevent pregnancy difficulties, contribute to the growth and healthy development of the fetus, and keep the new mother healthy and free of health difficulties, ensuring a safe pregnancy journey.

Some of the folic acid uses are listed below:

Prevents Neural Tube Defects: Neural Tube Defects are congenital disabilities or birth defects that impact the baby’s brain and spine. Taking folic acid regularly can help contain neural tube defects, making it one of the most crucial reasons why women must take folic acid during and before pregnancy. Some of the most common neural tube defects are spina bifida (spinal cord defect), anencephaly (brain defect), and encephalocele (brain defect).
Brain Development: Another benefit of folic acid for pregnant women is that it helps form the baby’s brain nervous system and builds a solid foundation for cognitive development.
Prevents Miscarriage: Females taking folic acid supplements are at a lower risk of having a miscarriage. Folic acid can also help prevent preterm birth, as suggested in studies.
Prevents Heart Defects: Taking adequate folic acid helps during the baby’s heart development. Folic acid also reduces the risk of congenital heart defects.
Placental Development: Apart from helping in the healthy growth of babies in the womb, it also aids in healthy placental development. The placenta must develop well, as it is important for delivering oxygen and nutrients to the growing fetus or the baby.
Reduces Low Birth Weight Risk: Taking folic acid supplements reduces the risks of low birth weight. Low birth weight may be due to many causes, including health difficulties for the baby.
Risk of Preeclampsia: Folic acid lower the dangers of preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is a pregnancy difficulty that leads to high blood pressure.
Production of Red Blood Cells: The production of red blood cells during pregnancy is essential, supported by folic acid supplements. The supplements also help prevent maternal anemia during pregnancy.
Reduces the Risk of Autism: Many studies indicate that folic acid can potentially reduce the chances of having a baby in the autism spectrum. However, more study has yet to prove the same.
Risk of Cleft Lip: Taking folic acid complements also lowers and reduces the risks of cleft lip or palate. A cleft lip or palate is when the newborn’s upper lip or palate does not join together.
Is Folate and Folic Acid the Same?
While folate and folic corrosive are frequently utilized conversely, they are particular. Folate guides to the natural form of the vitamin found in foods, while folic acid is the synthetic form used in complements and fortified foods. Both are important for prenatal care, with folic acid more readily absorbed by the body.

How Can I Get Enough Folic Acid?
Besides complements, folic acid can be obtained through a balanced diet rich in folate-rich foods such as leafy greens, citrus fruits, beans, lentils, fortified cereals, and nuts. However, getting the guided amount via diet alone is often difficult, making supplementation important during pregnancy.

Folic Acid Side Effects:
While folic acid is generally considered safe, high doses may cause side effects such as nausea, bloating, and abdominal cramps. Sticking to the recommended dosage and consulting a gynecologist if experiencing any adverse reactions are essential. For a healthy pregnancy, women should take folic acid before and during pregnancy. Alongside this, it’s crucial to maintain a balanced diet including spinach, kale, beans, oranges, whole grains, and poultry, and avoiding habits like smoking and excessive junk food. Regular doctor visits are important for monitoring and continuing folic acid and prenatal vitamins as recommended, which diminishes the gamble of birth deformities and entanglements, guaranteeing a sound pregnancy and a flourishing child.

Meet Up With Dr. Asmita Dongare at Cloverleaf Specialty Clinic, Wakad, Pune:
If you are on the verge of menopause or are going through menopause along with urinary symptoms, consult Dr. Asmita Dongare at the Cloverleaf Specialty Clinic, Wakad, Pune. At Cloverleaf Specialty Clinic, we have a team of experienced supers specialists backed by the latest infrastructure and facilities. We have the best gynecologist in Wakad. We are professionals in handling complex deliveries, gynecological, and other surgeries. If you wish to get in touch with Dr. Asmita Dongare, please book your appointment here.