Folic acid and pregnancy

Folic acid is essential for women who are considering having a child, as this vitamin plays an important role in the development of the fetus, particularly during the formation of its nervous system. Taking vitamin B9 (also known as folic acid) helps prevent toxemia in pregnant women and reduces the risk of neural tube defects in the unborn child.

Importance of folic acid and its sources

Half of women have a deficiency in vitamin B9. Studies have shown that taking folic acid when planning a pregnancy, at the dose recommended by the doctor, for 3 to 4 months before conception, reduces the risk of congenital malformations in the fetus by 80%.

Vitamin B9 is involved in the process of cell division, DNA formation, metabolism, and blood cell production. Vitamin B9 is not a molecule but a family of molecules with the same function. This general term includes:

• folates, naturally present in food
• folic acid, which is the synthetic form added to certain foods (fortified foods and dietary supplements).

When planning a pregnancy, it is important to conduct a blood test for folate levels to determine if the body is supplied with vitamin B9. This test should be done in advance, as a deficiency in B9 can have consequences such as placental abruption, premature birth, anemia, neural tube defects in the unborn child, hydrocephalus, and other congenital malformations.

Vitamin B9 is a water-soluble vitamin that does not accumulate in the body. Its synthesis in small amounts is carried out by intestinal microflora. Therefore, it is important to regularly consume this vitamin with food to avoid deficiencies and ensure normal fetal development. This vitamin can be found in foods such as spinach, peas, broccoli, lettuce, cabbage, asparagus, beets, carrots, corn, as well as in poultry meat and liver, egg yolk, and cheese. Vitamin B9 is also present in raspberries, oranges, cherries, currants, strawberries, hazelnuts, and walnuts.

Folic acid dosage during pregnancy

The necessity of taking vitamin B9 should be discussed with the gynecologist. The usual dose of folic acid recommended for pregnancy planning is 800 mcg per day in case of deficiency. Once the deficiency is corrected, the dose can be reduced to 400 mcg.

A deficiency in vitamin B9 may be perceived by the woman through dizziness and fatigue. Symptoms such as headaches, irritability, weakness, palpitations, and pale skin may also manifest. Pregnant women may experience increased fatigue, mood swings, decreased concentration, and attention span.

Folic acid during pregnancy

It is particularly important to ensure an optimal intake of vitamin B9 in the body during the first trimester of pregnancy, when the fetal neural tube is forming, which is the basis for the development of its entire nervous system. At this time, the doctor may recommend that the woman take 600 to 800 mcg of folic acid per day. The prescription of vitamin supplements is based on the results of the analyses.

Increasing the dose of vitamin B9 may be justified in cases where the woman has a history of miscarriages, as well as giving birth to children with malformations, such as nervous system anomalies (spina bifida, neural tube closure defects).

In cases of diabetes, overweight in the pregnant woman, or seizure syndrome, the doctor may prescribe up to 5 mg of vitamin B9 per day. The decision to increase the dose is made solely by the treating physician, as self-medication can be harmful to both the mother and the future child. An excess of vitamin can also have negative consequences, so it is important to strictly follow the doctor's recommendations.

Consultation with a specialist

The gynecologist specializing in reproductive medicine at the "NatuVitro" clinic can advise you on planning your pregnancy and whether or not to take folic acid. Your specialist will help determine the optimal plan for preparing for your pregnancy, taking into account your specific characteristics and needs.

For more information about in vitro fertilization (IVF), see the section on treatments.