Importance of Folic Acid Before you get Pregnant

Prenatal care is a concept that is not widelyimportant is relayed in its properties as regulator
practiced today, despite the enormous number ofof cellular development and regeneration. Acid folic
information related to different aspects ofis more necessary during the first weeks of
preconception.pregnancy, so if you have a diet rich in this
A planned conception is in fact, relatively new tovitamin, your chances for getting pregnant and
many couples, and the importance of a prenatalhaving a healthy pregnancy are higher.
diet is something that is often ignored. Eating wellAcid folic also contributes to development of your
is important for both women and men at anyunborn baby, providing the nutrients needed for
stage of their life, but when it comes tothe proper formation of the spinal cord and brain,
pregnancy, a well-balanced diet is fundamental toproducing also the red blood cells for both the
increase your chances of getting pregnant.mother-to-be and the baby.
However, very few women understand why dietMake sure that your diet includes enough acid folic
is of particular importance when trying tofrom at least 3 months before planning your
conceive and how a multi-vitamin supplement canconception, and keep the intake as per your
become your best fertility aid.doctor's indications. Acid folic will reduce the risk of
A prenatal visit to your doctor will reveal to youneural-tube defects (NTD) in your baby, also
secrets that for a long time were ignored,reducing your risk of miscarriage.
including how important the intake of folic acid isAlthough it is your doctor who will determine the
before conception and during the differentdose of acid folic that you need, the
pregnancy stages.recommended intake for most women of
Folic acid is one of the B vitamins, also known aschildbearing age is about 0.4 mg per day during
folacin, folate, or Vitamin B9. This vitamin occursthe prenatal stage, increasing the dose up to 0.8
naturally in citrus and dark green leaf vegetables,mg each day.
as well as other foods.A woman with a family history of neural-tube
You can find acid folic in avocados, broccoli,defects might be prescribed with an increased
brussel sprouts, romaine lettuce, spinach, oatmeal,dosage of acid folic, up to approximately 4 mg, to
and lima beans. Other foods rich in Vitamin B9 areprevent potential pregnancy risks. If you are
orange juice, beef liver, chicken, beans, lentils,unsure of the correct dosage, almost any prenatal
chickpeas, fortified breakfast cereals, and enrichedvitamins will provide you with the basic
pastas and breads.requirements for a healthy pregnancy.
The reason why the intake of this vitamin is