When you're trying to get pregnant, most of us focus on the timing, cycles of ovulation, and leading a healthy lifestyle. However, there is an important element which plays a determining role in both fertility and health of your child when you conceive and that's the consumption of folic acid. Folic acid is a variant of the important B vitamin folate, which prepares your body for a healthy pregnancy, but why is it important to take folic acid if you are trying to conceive?
The editorial team of Onlymyhealth asked Dr Vikas Yadav, Senior Consultant - Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, ShardaCare, Healthcity - Greater Noida, why folic acid is so important when trying to conceive and how it can support both the mother and baby. Here is what he shared with us and what you need to know!
What Is Folic Acid?
Folic acid is the artificial version of folate, which is a B vitamin occurring naturally in various foods. A few examples of foods with naturally occurring folate include leafy greens, beans, and citrus fruits. "Folic acid is very important in the synthesis of DNA and Red Blood Cells (RBCs.) It also helps in the proper formation and development of the baby's neural tube, which forms the brain and spinal cord in the early stages of pregnancy. It is most important in the first few weeks of pregnancy, usually before women even know they are pregnant," explained Dr Yadav.
Also Read: Understanding Importance Of Prenatal Vitamins: What To Take And When
Importance Of Folic Acid For Pregnancy
Here are a few reasons why one should take folic acid if you are trying to conceive:
1. Prevents NTDs
Neural Tube Defects (NTDs) occur in the developing phase of the foetus. NTD in simple terms refers to when the eventual brain and cord do not normally form. However, if a woman is well supplied with folic acid before and right at the very beginning of gestation, it reduces the risk to the fetus's health of experiencing serious birth anomalies. Researchers estimated that a level of 400 micrograms in a pregnant female reduces the threat of NTDs by as much as 70%.
2. Boosts Fertility
Folic acid plays a key role in cell division and tissue growth, which are critical for reproduction. Research further suggests that supplements of folic acid improve fertility as they encourage healthy eggs in women and sperm development in men. It also regulates the hormones, which are very vital for ovulation and conception.
3. Helps Prevent Miscarriage
According to studies, women who take folic acid before conception have lesser chances of getting a miscarriage. According to the same reports, a woman who is taking supplements for folic acid has a lower chance of getting a miscarriage than the women who are not.
Also Read: Understanding Importance Of Prenatal Vitamins: What To Take And When
4. Readies The Body For Pregnancy
Another significant function of folic acid includes RBCs and placental development. Folic acid supplements make sure your body is as prepared as it can be for pregnancy, especially on the increased demand requirements of a growing fetus. “This supplementation, thus, supplies essential nutrients before one actually conceives and nurtures them to nourish the baby at an initial fetal developmental phase,” Dr Yadav added.
When To Start Taking Folic Acid?
Dr Yadav advised to start taking folic acid at least one month before the beginning of trying for a child. This gives your body enough time to store enough of the vitamin for the early days of pregnancy. You can even continue your supplementation throughout the first trimester, which will help support the early development of your baby.
Bottomline
Taking folic acid is a simple yet powerful step that you can take to ensure a healthier pregnancy and baby while trying to conceive. Preventing neural tube defects, supporting fertility, reducing the risk of miscarriage, and healthy fetal development are some of the vital roles that it plays. However, keep in mind your folic acid levels before taking them and make sure that they are prescribed to you by your healthcare provider.