Folic Acid During Pregnancy

Diva Women's Clinic
Jan 29, 2019
3 min read

Geeta was on cloud nine when she saw the two lines on her urine pregnancy kit. She was pregnant finally and her joy knew no bounds as she wanted to share the happy news with her life partner Gautam as soon as she could. Once he was home they celebrated the happy occasion and called up all their friends to share their happiness The couple made plans for the baby shower baby room clothes and all. Then it was the day for the very important scan . Their gynaecologist told them it was called the NT scan or NUCHAL TRANSLUCENCY scan and it would also screen for any genetic syndromes.

Geeta completed her scan though she did notice the sinologist worried look she was only thinking of the dinner party they had arranged for the celebration .Little did she know that all the bliss would come to a tragic end when she entered her gynaecologists room for the report . Her doctor looked a little tense but then all doctors are in a hurry. “ I have some bad news for you . I am sorry . Your baby has a defect in the brain and spinal cord and it is called anencephaly. We will have to abort your pregnancy as there is no chance of your baby’s survival when it is born.”

Geeta was in a blur . What defect why my baby . I take care of my health . I don’t deserve this . Can I get a second opinion. “

The doctor explained to them that the problem was called neural tube defect with a brain defect possibly due to folic acid deficiency and there is 95 % chance of having a good healthy baby but she will need to continue folic acid tablets regularly.

What is Folic Acid? Why do women need it ? Why it is so important?

Women love to plan and replan .From the dress trousseau of their engagement, the wedding photographer, the color of the hall decoration co ordinated with the costumes ,the dance during ladies sangeet, the honeymoon suite and destination .

But sadly and very unfortunately they do not plan their pregnancy . They pass on their genes to the next generation but in India still 90% of pregnancies are unplanned.

Folic acid is a water soluble vitamin and part of the B vitamin group .It plays an important role in cell production and cell division . It is needed for red blood cell formation also .

What are the natural sources of vitamin Folic Acid ?

Beans, peas , green leafy vegetables, fruits, chickpeas enriched breads, cereals, brown rice .

How much Folic Acid needed during pregnancy?

Women planning pregnancy should start 400 mcg of folic acid per day.
During first trimester 400 mcg per day
During second trimester and third trimester 600 mcg per day
During Breastfeeding 500 mcg per day.

When should Folic Acid be started?

Folic acid is an important part of pre pregnancy planning . Birth defects happen during period of early pregnancy and embryogenesis,so folic acid should be started by all women planning a pregnancy. Women who are pregnant should start folic acid supplements as soon as possible and continue as advised by their doctor .

In certain conditions folic acid need to be started early and continued throughout pregnancy

If there is a previous history of a child with a NTD(neural tube defect )
f certain prescribed medicines, such as for epilepsy,are taken for a long time because these medicines may prevent the body from absorbing folic acid.
f the mother is overweight and with a body mass index (BMI) of over 25, or has diabetes, the doctor may prescribe a higher dose.
Women with a higher BMI tend to have lower levels of folate in their blood