I feel that there is a real lack of knowledge and understanding regarding the importance of folic acid in pregnancy. Therefore, I wanted to put together a small blog based on the facts, including some guidance. This is particularly useful for my clients whom are trying to conceive or those who have already conceived.
The Facts
- The Department of Health recommends that women take a daily 400mg supplement of Folic Acid while they are trying to conceive and for the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.
- A report has shown that 1 in 1,000 babies born (in the UK), suffer from some kind of neural tube defect, such as spina bifida.
- You are at a higher risk of having a child with neural defects if: either you or your partner have a neural tube defect, you or your partner have a family history with neural tube defects or you have diabetes.
- Folic acid cannot be stored in your body so you need to get some in everyday.
What you need to do to prevent neural defects in your baby:
- As soon as you decide to start 'trying' for a baby, start taking a daily supplement of folic acid (400mg). Continue with this supplement for the first twelve weeks of your pregnancy.
- Include dietary sources of folic acid into your diet. Dietary sources include: green leafy vegetables, brown rice, fortified breakfast cereals, chickpeas, asparagus, lentils...(you cannot consume enough folic acid through your diet so a supplement is required to make sure that you are getting enough.
*Always consult your doctor before taking any supplement
