During pregnancy, a mother's nutritional needs increase to support fetal growth and development. One essential nutrient that shouldn't be overlooked is folic acid. This nutrient plays a significant role in minimizing the risk of brain and nervous system abnormalities in the baby, so it's recommended to start taking it from the pre-pregnancy stage through pregnancy. Read this article to learn about the benefits of folic acid for pregnant women!
Why Do Pregnant Women Need to Meet Their Folic Acid Needs?
Folic acid (vitamin B9) is crucial for pregnant women because it plays a role in red blood cell formation and the development of the fetus' brain, spinal cord, and heart. A deficiency in this nutrient can increase the risk of neural tube defects, congenital heart defects, and anemia in pregnant women.
The daily requirement for folic acid for pregnant women is around 600 mcg, and it can even reach 4,000 mcg if there is a history of neural tube defects in a previous pregnancy. Because the body cannot produce it, folic acid must be obtained from food or supplements.
Adequate intake from the beginning of pregnancy, even before pregnancy, is very important, because in the first weeks folic acid plays a major role in the process of forming the fetus' nerves and vital organs.
7 Benefits of Folic Acid for Pregnant Women
Folic acid is a crucial nutrient, both during pregnancy and during pregnancy preparation. This B-complex vitamin plays a crucial role in supporting maternal health and fetal growth and development. Folic acid can be obtained from nutritious foods, special supplements, and dairy products formulated for pregnant women.
Come on, take a look at the various benefits of folic acid for pregnancy below:
1. Prevent miscarriage
Adequate folic acid intake before and throughout pregnancy can reduce the risk of miscarriage, especially in pregnancies under 20 weeks. Folic acid also plays a crucial role in reducing the risk of premature birth, fetal growth retardation, and preventing brain and spinal cord abnormalities.
2. Reducing the Risk of Preeclampsia
Adequate folic acid intake from the second trimester has been shown to reduce the risk of preeclampsia, a pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure, swelling, and protein in the urine. This is dangerous because it can progress to eclampsia (seizures during pregnancy) and increases the risk of low birth weight.
3. Prevents Anemia
Folic acid plays a crucial role in red blood cell formation, thus preventing anemia in pregnant women. Preventing anemia is crucial because this condition can pose a risk of serious complications for both the mother and the fetus.
4. Preventing Neural Tube Defects
Adequate folic acid intake from early pregnancy is crucial to reduce the risk of neural tube defects in the fetus, such as spina bifida or anencephaly. These conditions can interfere with the development of the baby's brain and spinal cord.
5. Helps placenta formation
Folic acid supports the growth of the placenta, a vital organ that transfers nutrients and oxygen from the mother to the fetus. A healthy placenta plays a crucial role in fetal growth and development during pregnancy.
6. Reduces the Risk of Cleft Lip
Adequate folic acid intake during pregnancy can reduce the risk of a baby being born with a cleft lip, a birth defect in the formation of the mouth and face that can interfere with eating and breastfeeding.
7. Prevents Congenital Heart Disease
The risk of a baby being born with a congenital heart defect can increase if the pregnant mother is deficient in folic acid. By consuming foods high in folate or taking supplements as recommended, this risk can be reduced.
The human body cannot naturally produce folic acid, so it requires special supplements or certain foods. So, what types of foods can be a good source of folate for pregnant women?
Get Your Folic Acid Needs for a Healthy Pregnancy by Consuming These Ingredients
Folic acid is a B-complex vitamin that plays a crucial role during pregnancy. This nutrient is needed not only for maternal health but also for fetal development. Folic acid intake can be obtained from:
- Daily food (green vegetables, nuts, fruit, and whole grains).
- Pregnant supplements prescribed by a doctor.
- Special milk for pregnant women enriched with folic acid.
By meeting the need for folic acid, pregnant women can support the growth and development of the fetus while maintaining their own health.
Signs of Folic Acid Deficiency in Pregnant Women
Folic acid deficiency in pregnant women often goes unnoticed because the symptoms are mild and often dismissed as a common complaint. However, if left untreated, this condition can negatively impact the health of both the mother and the fetus.
Some symptoms that may appear include:
- Face looks pale
- The body feels weak
- Get tired quickly
- Frequent headaches
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea to vomiting
- The tongue looks swollen
Maintaining health during pregnancy isn't just about a balanced diet, but also ensuring essential nutrients like folic acid are met. Adequate folic acid intake can help support fetal growth and development while maintaining the mother's health throughout the pregnancy.
Therefore, ensure you always pay attention to your intake of this nutrient, both from food and supplements, as recommended. If you experience symptoms that suggest folic acid deficiency or experience any specific symptoms during pregnancy, don't hesitate to consult a doctor immediately to ensure optimal pregnancy conditions and healthy fetal development.
This article was written by Dr. Amanda Mustika Sari, Sp.OG (Obstetrics and Gynecology Specialist at EMC Pulomas Hospital).