According to the Centers for Disease Control, approximately one out of every 33 babies in the United States is born with a birth defect. While not all birth defects can be prevented, women can take proactive steps to decrease the chances of their baby developing a defect. Folic acid is one way to do that. Our team at New River Women’s Health would like to share the benefits of folic acid.
Taking a supplement prior to pregnancy can help prevent a particular group of birth defects, medically known as neural tube defects. Neural tube defects are birth defects of the brain, spine or spinal cord. Neural tube defects happen in the first month of pregnancy. Folic acid may also help prevent heart defects in a baby and the birth defects known as cleft lip and cleft palate.
Folic acid is a B vitamin that contributes to normal growth and development. It helps your body make the red blood cells that carry oxygen throughout your body. The March of Dimes recommends taking a vitamin with 400 micrograms of folic acid in it every day before getting pregnant. It’s crucial to have enough in your body before you get pregnant because birth defects can develop very early in pregnancy.
It is recommended that all potentially childbearing women take a multivitamin with 400 micrograms of folic acid every day. Most multivitamins have that amount, but check the label to ensure. During pregnancy, women should switch to a special prenatal vitamin instead of regular multivitamins: standard prenatal vitamins include 600 micrograms of folic acid. It’s important to talk to your doctor about your specific needs if you are planning to conceive or have just discovered you are pregnant, so you can help ensure your baby’s good health.
Our team at New River Women’s Health provides expert care in the areas of gynecology, obstetrics, gynecological surgery. We are here for every stage of your life and health. Request an appointment online or contact us today at 540-605-7566
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