Folic acid during pregnancy: what it is for and how to take it

Folic acid in pregnancy is indicated to prevent defects in the closure of the fetal neural tube, which is responsible for the development of the baby’s entire nervous system and brain, and thus reduce the risk of congenital malformations, such as spina bifida, myelomeningocele, anencephaly or cleft palate, for example.

Ideally, the use of folic acid should be started approximately 3 to 6 months before becoming pregnant, or for at least 1 month before becoming pregnant, for women who are planning a pregnancy, and its use should be continued until the end of pregnancy. gestation.

Folic acid during pregnancy does not make you gain weight, but it helps to ensure a healthy pregnancy and the good development of the baby, and should be part of prenatal care, taken with the guidance of your obstetrician. See how prenatal care is done.

What is folic acid used for during pregnancy?

Folic acid during pregnancy is indicated to reduce the risk of birth defects in the baby, such as:

• Spina bifida;
• Anencephaly;
• Encephalocele;
• Cleft lip;
• Heart diseases.

It is important that the use of folic acid is started in the pre-conception period, as the baby’s neural tube closes on the 28th day of pregnancy, a phase in which many women still do not know if they are pregnant. After this period, folic acid supplementation does not prevent the occurrence of neural tube defects.

However, a woman should take folic acid throughout her pregnancy, as it helps in the formation of the placenta, the synthesis of DNA and new cells, the formation of the baby’s heart, as well as reducing the risk of anemia in women, premature birth and pre-eclampsia during pregnancy. Know all the symptoms of pre-eclampsia.

How to take folic acid during pregnancy

The normally recommended dose of folic acid in pregnancy by the WHO ^(1,2) is 400 mcg to 800 mcg per day, before becoming pregnant and in the first three months of pregnancy. However, as many of the tablets used are 1, 2 or 5 mg, it is common for doctors to recommend taking 1 mg, to facilitate the use of the supplement.

In the case of pregnant women at increased risk of folic acid deficiency, such as when the woman is obese, has epilepsy or has had children with a nervous system deficiency, the recommended doses may be higher and vary according to the woman’s needs. .

The use of folic acid must be maintained throughout pregnancy, and is normally associated with iron supplements, to prevent the development of iron deficiency, anemia in women and low birth weight of the baby. See how iron supplementation is done.

Foods rich in folic acid

In addition to supplements, folic acid can also be found in foods, such as:

• Boiled chicken, turkey or beef liver;
• Brewer’s yeast;
• Cooked black beans;
• cooked spinach;
• Cooked pasta;
• Peas or lentils.

Regular consumption of these foods helps to ensure sufficient amounts of folic acid for the mother and to ensure the good development of the baby. See the complete list of foods rich in folic acid.

Possible side effects

Folic acid is normally well tolerated, and side effects are more common when used in doses greater than those recommended, and include constipation, gas, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, bitter taste in the mouth, difficulty concentration, problems sleeping, irritation, depression, allergy symptoms and difficulty breathing.