Why Folic Acid is crucial during pregnancy

The excitement of expecting a little one, the joy of feeling the tiny kicks and the anticipation of holding your baby in your arms for the first time - pregnancy is one of the most exciting times we get to experience in life. 

In the midst of all this excitement, there is a lot to consider. Eating a balanced diet to get all the important vitamins and minerals for yourself and your baby's development can be a big challenge. 

Folic acid is a particularly importantvitaminfor you now. 

But why is it so important for pregnancy? And how can you make sure you get enough of it on the journey to motherhood?

Here you can find out how important it is for the health and well-being of you and your baby.

What is Folic Acid?

Before we look at the importance of folic acid, let's first understand what folic acid actually is. 

Folic acid, also known as vitamin B9, is a water-soluble vitamin that plays a crucial role in cell division and the formation of DNA. This may sound like complex science, but its importance becomes even clearer when you're pregnant.

Women of childbearing age should take at least 400 mcg of folic acid every day to ensure a healthy pregnancy. Take folic acid daily for several months before trying to get pregnant.

Why is Folic Acid Important for Pregnant Women?

Folic acid is very important when it comes to preventing neural tube defects in developing babies. These defects can affect the brain and spine and cause serious health problems. By getting enough folic acid, you are essentially creating a protective shield around your baby's delicate neural development.

Neural tube defects happen within the first few weeks of your pregnancy, even before you realize you're expecting. For this reason, taking folic acid before you start trying to get pregnant is essential to ensure your baby's health.

How Does Folic Acid Protect Your Baby?

Folic Acid, plays a crucial role in preventing neural tube defects, making it a cornerstone of prenatal care. The neural tube, which later develops into the spine and brain, forms in the early weeks of pregnancy, often before one realizes they are expecting. Thus, initiating Folic Acid supplementation even before conception is essential to ensure the well-being of your baby.

Neural tube defects, such as Spina Bifida and Anencephaly, can significantly impact your baby's life. Spina Bifida occurs when the neural tube fails to close completely, resulting in an incomplete development of the spinal cord. On the other hand, Anencephaly affects the baby's brain, leading to the birth of a child with an underdeveloped brain and an incomplete skull. Unfortunately, infants born with Anencephaly are often stillborn or survive only for a few days.

The analogy of Folic Acid as a guardian holds true, especially during the first month of pregnancy. This critical period, often before a woman is aware of her pregnancy, is when Folic Acid actively contributes to the formation of the neural tube. By the time pregnancy is confirmed, this unsung hero has already established the groundwork for a robust neural structure, significantly diminishing the risk of deformities.

While it may not be possible to prevent all neural tube defects, the intake of Folic Acid substantially reduces the likelihood of your child developing these conditions. Think of Folic Acid as a proactive measure, a shield that empowers you to contribute to the healthy development of your baby's spine and brain. As you embark on the journey of motherhood, consider Folic Acid your ally, ensuring a strong foundation for your baby's future well-being.

How to ensure your Folic Acid intake for a healthy pregnancy?

When you're preparing to conceive, taking proactive steps towards a healthy pregnancy is crucial. Begin by scheduling an appointment with your doctor to explore prenatal vitamins and folic acid options. While oral vitamins provide a substantial portion of your folic acid, incorporating folate-rich foods into your diet is equally important. Include nutrient-rich foods such as spinach, green leafy vegetables, beans, nuts, whole grains, chicken or turkey, and oranges to enhance your folic acid intake.

Although a balanced diet can help meet your folic acid needs, it is recommended to take additional supplements. 

Knowing how difficult it is to meet your nutritional needs during pregnancy, we are introducing our new  Folic Acid Complex - a potent blend of methylated B12, vegan D3, zinc, iron, iodine and copper. This comprehensive solution has been specifically designed to meet the unique needs of mums-to-be, ensuring you and your baby get all the essential nutrients for a healthy pregnancy.

Your journey to a happy and healthy pregnancy

As you embark on this incredible journey of motherhood, remember - you are not alone. With the right nutrition and care, you can lay the foundation for a healthy and happy pregnancy. Take the first step by incorporating folic acid into your routine. 

Your little darling will thank you. Here's to a journey full of joy, good health and the promise of a bright future. Enjoy the unforgettable experience!