Facts About Folic Acid and Pregnancy

By Eureka Griffith MSc, BSc

Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. 3rd John 2, KJV

So, are you pregnant or planning to become pregnant! You may have heard or read, that during pregnancy you are eating for two, and your nutrient intake is for two. While there is debate on whether this is true or not, there is a micro nutrient called Folate that is non-debatably of vital importance in your diet during, and even before, pregnancy.

WHY FOLATE ACID INTAKE IS IMPORTANT DURING PREGNANCY

• Folic Acid helps your body formulate red blood cells (RBCs). If you do not have enough folic acid in your body, you can develop Folate Deficiency (FD). When you are Folate Deficient your body cannot make enough RBCs to carry oxygen and nutrients throughout your body, and this can impair organ function.

WHAT CAN HAPPEN TO THE FETUS IF THE MOTHER IS FOLATE DEFICIENT

• The fetus in-utero can experience severe injury as a result of the mother being Folate Deficient. During the first trimester (first three months) of pregnancy, a baby’s vital organs are being formed. If the mother is Folate Deficient during this period, the fetus can be severely affected, and neural tube defects (NTDs) may occur. The two most common NTDs are:

1. Anencephaly (a brain defect) – the baby is born with an undeveloped brain or without a forebrain (front part of the brain).
2. Spina Bifida (a spinal cord defect) – a hole or opening in the spinal cord, as a result of the cord not closing all the way.

WHEN TO TAKE FOLIC ACID SUPPLEMENTATION

• Before pregnancy, during the planning stage — about three months before becoming pregnant.
• Within the first trimester of the pregnancy — this is the time when the baby’s vital organs are being formed.

HOW MUCH FOLIC ACID SHOULD BE TAKEN?

• During pregnancy, in addition to eating a well-balanced diet, a woman is required to supplement with at least 600 mcg of folic acid daily. Seek advice from your Obstetrician or Midwife before commencing supplementation.

FOODS THAT CONTAIN A RICH SUPPLY OF FOLATE

• Spinach (131 mcg)
• Black eyed peas (105 mcg)
• Asparagus (89 mcg)
• Brussels Sprout (78 mcg)
• Avocado (59 mcg)
• Broccoli (52 mcg)
• Orange juice (35 mcg)
• Bananas (24 mcg)

SUMMARY

Folic acid is an important nutrient for everyone, but it is crucial to women during pregnancy. Couples who are planning to become pregnant, should talk to a health care provider about the right dosage of folic acid for the mommy-to-be.

Text for Meditation – Proverbs 4:7 (KJV)

Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore, get wisdom: and in all your getting get understanding.