There are some key points that you should keep in mind in order to give birth to a healthy baby which many women who are on fertility treatment don’t know or misunderstand. One is timing the start of the intake of folic acid which is an important nutritional component, and the other is an examination for pregnant women.
In any case, it seems that many people do these things only after discovering that they are pregnant, but by then “It’s too late!”.
This article will give light to these misconceptions.
Folic acid lowers the risk of birth defects
If you are interested in fertility, you know that folic acid is called the “vitamin for pregnant women”. However, if you start taking it after getting pregnant, you will not be in time for the most important period of intake for your baby’s development. How many people know the facts and are doing it right?
Folic acid, which is contained in green and yellow vegetables such as broccoli, spinach, green beans, and chicken liver, is a nutrient that is known to lower the risk of birth defects in babies. Based on some findings, the incidence rate of birth defects in the Philippines is that one in 36 births has at least 1 defect.
For example, the neural tube of the fetus (formed during the development of the brain and spinal cord) is completed by 28 days to 6 weeks after fertilization. However, if there is not enough folic acid in the mother’s body during this period, it is known that abnormal risk increases.
However, you can confirm pregnancy at around 6 weeks because the baby’s heartbeat can be detected. In addition, pregnant women often notice their pregnancy as early as 6, seven, or eight weeks. That’s why many of them start taking folic acid at this point, but by that time, somebody parts are already developed.
You don’t need to worry about this if you take enough nutrition on a daily basis. However, the problem these days is that many young women, especially those in their 20s, don’t take enough nutrition.
Recommended folic acid dosage is 640μg
The recommended daily intake of folic acid for women planning a pregnancy is 640 μg which is more than 480 μg that pregnant women need. However, it is difficult to take this amount of folic acid exclusively from meals. Therefore, the Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society recommends supplements as well.
In fact, the incidence of bipartite spines in Japan continues to increase. Since 2000, The Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare recommends that women who are planning for pregnancy, need a well-balanced diet containing a large amount of folic acid, and other vitamins from 1 month before pregnancy to 3 months after pregnancy. However, it seems that the recommendation to begin folic acid intake a month before pregnancy is not sufficiently emphasized and transmitted.
If you look abroad, it is recommended that 400 μg of folic acid be taken in the United States in 1992 From 1998, government agencies in the United States and Canada have carried out a daily routine for cereals and bread. Recommended to add folic acid to food. The folate fill rate is rising. And, the incidence rate of spina bifida has turned to a decreasing trend.
In 1992 in the US, it was recommended to take 400 μg of folic acid per day to women who are planning to get pregnant. And from 1998 the US and Canadian governments recommended that they should add folic acid to daily foods such as cereals and bread. Because of this, the incidence rate of spina bifida has turned to a decreasing trend now.
CONCLUSION
Now you know that folic acid before pregnancy is just as important as your intake in your first trimester of pregnancy. Also, it is recommended to take folic acid supplements in addition to food sources in order to meet the required dosage.
