Importance of vitamin B9 (folic acid) during pregnancy

Most birth defects usually happens within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. The importance of folic acid supplements or foods cannot be over emphasized.

 

The most important period to ensure a balanced diet and an appropriate amount of of nutrients is during pregnancy.

 Folic acid, also known as Vitamin B9 can be found in foods such as broccoli, green leafed vegetables, Brussels sprouts, tinned salmon, granary bread, kidney beans, eggs, brown rice, oranges, romaine lettuce, whole grain etc.

Folic acid helps to establish the genetic material DNA and RNA. It also plays a vital role in the division and development of cells. It has been recommended by the UK department of health that a 400mcg be taken by pregnant mothers or women trying to conceive from the end of the use of contraceptives up until at least 12 weeks.

Another very important use of folic acid is that it safeguards the foetus against Spinal Bifida which means ‘split spine’. This condition happens as a result of incomplete development of the spinal cord or vertebrae. The intake of folic acid also protects the foetus from An encephalitis which is the incomplete development of major parts of the brain.

Normally, the first few weeks of the pregnancy is when the embryo forms the central nervous system starting as a neural tube that develops into the spinal column and the brain altogether making the central nervous system.

Eating balanced diet and the recommended amount of folic acid will greatly reduce the risk of a baby with spinal or brain defects.
If a mother has previously had a child with a neural birth defects,  getting enough folic acid can reduce the risk of conceiving another child with such condition by well over 70%. Folic acid is also good for mothers as it works with Vitamin B12 to form healthy blood cells.