trying4baby (trying4baby) wrote in babyhopes, @ 2009-05-18 19:14:00 |
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Current mood: | cheerful |
The importance of Folic Acid prior to conception
I was doing some research on the importance of Folic Acid prior to conceiving, and this is what I found out. I thought I would share it here.
Folic acid for pre-pregnancy is recommended by all physicians as necessary supplements to be included with the regular diet. This is because folic acid helps prevent birth defects of the brain and spine [neural tube defects]. Folic acid or folate is a b vitamin that is essential for the proper growth and development of the brain, spine and skull of the fetus. Folic acid also prevents heart defects, cleft lip and palate etc. Folic acid is necessary for blood and protein production as well as to ensure enzyme functioning. Folic acid is necessary for the proper formation of healthy blood cells and 400 mcg are recommended daily in the pre conception stage. The doctors recommend that the women consume folic acid 3 months prior to pregnancy and continue until the second trimester. ( courtesy of pregnancy-period.com )
There is also some good information about it at americanpregnancy.org