Do I need to take folic acid when planning a pregnancy?

In order for the baby to be born healthy and strong, all doctors recommend that future parents still plan the conception of the child. In such a situation, specialists have time to prepare future parents for the upcoming event, as well as to improve their health. To do this, doctors can use prescribe vitamins, including folic acid.

The value of folic acid for the body is obvious. It is prescribed to almost all women when planning pregnancy. Immediately it should be noted that, as in any rule, there are a number of exceptions. However, for the appointment of folic acid, they are practically absent.

Optimal folic acid intake should be daily. Only in this situation can a positive and stable result be achieved. Such a regular intake helps to improve the functioning of the female immune system.

Pregnancy is a special period when immunity indicators deteriorate. That is why the risk of infection with various infections of pregnant women is quite high. Insufficient intake of various vitamins and minerals, including folic acid, significantly impairs the work of immunity. This leads to the fact that it is easy to get sick as a future mother, and her baby.

Adequate folic acid intake normalizes the gastrointestinal tract. To some extent, this reduces the likelihood of various toxicoinfections and food poisoning.

The most important role of folic acid and its metabolites in the female body is protection from various chromosomal and gene mutations. Such pathologies are extremely dangerous, as they can lead to the formation of various anomalies and pronounced defects in the structure of the internal organs of the baby. Significantly reduce the risk of their occurrence will only help regular intake of folic acid drugs.

Scientists believe that this substance also has a positive effect on protein metabolism. It improves the speed of various biological reactions that occur in the body. This leads to internal organs begin to function in full mode.

Also, this substance is involved in blood. Blood - the main nutrient medium for all cells of the body. It facilitates the delivery of all the substances necessary for the growth and development of the baby, as well as oxygen. To ensure full-fledged functions it is necessary that a sufficient amount of all the formed elements is present in the blood.

Folic acid also has a beneficial effect on the blood vessels. Scientists note that regular intake of this substance may slow down the formation of atherosclerotic plaques.

This pathological condition is characterized by a significant change in the number of red blood cells and hemoglobin. In such a situation, the course of pregnancy may be complicated by the development of multiple pathologies. To compensate for the resulting irregularities, it will be necessary to prescribe a whole complex of various drugs.

Women who do not receive enough folic acid at the planning stage of pregnancy are at increased risk of developing various disorders in the nervous system. Often, such patients complain to their doctors about the appearance of goose bumps on their skin. Hands and feet become cold to the touch, there is a constant feeling of chilliness.

Folic acid drugs are often prescribed to women who have problems with conception. Regular intake of this substance in the body several improves fertility. It is also necessary for the further development of the fetus in the womb - from implantation to the wall of the uterus and up to the birth.

Regular intake of folic acid is necessary not only for the expectant mother, but also for her baby. This helps to reduce the likelihood of the formation of various birth defects and abnormalities of the brain and organs of the nervous system. The risk of the birth of babies with various genetic mutations with the regular use of folic acid preparations by the expectant mother is also significantly reduced.

Many experts believe that the timely taking of these drugs helps to reduce the adverse outcome of pregnancy - its “fading”. This pathology occurs in the first half of fetal development. In this case, its further development is impossible. In such a situation, unfortunately, it is required to terminate the pregnancy.

Some scientists note that regular folic acid intake before pregnancy helps reduce the likelihood of developing pathologies in babies such as “cleft lip” and “cleft palate”. Both of these diseases require mandatory medical intervention and treatment. After the child will require a long period of rehabilitation.

It is especially important how the child’s neural tube is formed. If at this stage of his prenatal development any pathologies arise, then this will contribute to the further development of various neurological disorders in the baby. They appear after birth.

Scientists believe that for men and women who are preparing to become parents, the optimal dosage of folic acid is 400 micrograms per day. However, there are exceptions to the rule. If a woman has any diseases of the gastrointestinal tract or severe pathologies of the liver and kidneys, the dose of this substance can be adjusted. In this case, the individual need for folic acid is calculated by the doctor.

For the prevention of various folic acid deficiencies and in preparation for pregnancy, medicines containing folic acid tablets are used. Each of these drugs must be attached instructions for use. It indicates the daily dose, as well as side effects and symptoms of overdose.

The most famous drug, which is widely used in medical practice, is called - "Folic acid". It is produced in tablets of 1 mg. One pack contains 50 tablets. The course of treatment and dosage is determined individually by the attending physician.

This drug is also available in pills. The content of folic acid in it is already higher - 5 mg.As a rule, this medicine is prescribed for women with any diseases or folic deficiency states. It should be noted that you should not use it yourself. Therapist should select the dosage of “Folacin” for the woman.

It must be said that this drug can be administered simultaneously to both men and women. Especially often this happens in the event that if the couple is purposefully preparing for the birth and conception of the baby.

This drug is already combined. In its composition it contains both folic acid and iodine. This combination is very convenient for reception.

Dosages of this drug are different. This makes the medication more convenient. He can be appointed both to women and men. If one of the future parents has problems with the thyroid gland, then in this case, you should always consult with a specialist before using this remedy.

In order to prevent various folic acid deficiencies, doctors may prescribe a multivitamin woman with folic acid. In addition to folate, such complexes also contain other biologically active substances and trace elements.

Reviews of women who were preparing to conceive babies, indicate that they quite often resorted to the use of just such means. Common enough drugs include Vitrum, Elevit and Prenatal Forte.

In addition to the isolated folic acid intake, the expectant mother can be assigned other means, not less important at the planning stage of pregnancy. For women with various pathologies of the reproductive organs or who are having difficulty conceiving, doctors can prescribe course taking vitamin E.

This tool has a positive effect on the work of all female genital organs. The course intake of vitamin E helps to normalize the menstrual cycle, as well as a positive effect on the skin, hair and nails.

It is very important in this case to choose the optimal dosage. She is selected based on the initial state of the woman, as well as with the mandatory assessment by the doctor of the presence of concomitant diseases. One frequently prescribed drug is «Aevit». This drug is well tolerated and practically does not cause allergic reactions.

In our country there are quite a lot of iodine deficient regions. In these places, the incidence of endemic goiter and other thyroid pathologies in humans is very high.

Women living in such iodine-deficient regions should definitely enrich their daily diet with foods that contain iodine.

One of these drugs is "Yodomarin". It is important to note that not everyone can appoint it. Before use, it is very important to consult with your doctor. It is not always possible to use iodine-containing drugs for women with thyroid disease, but only for certain medical reasons.

Folic acid can be prescribed for a long time. In some cases, doctors recommend drinking it for months. The scheme of such prophylactic treatment is strictly individual. In most cases, folic acid drugs are prescribed for 2.5-3 months before the planned conception of the baby.

Frequency of use is also determined by the doctor. In most cases, folic acid drugs are prescribed 1-2 times per day. In some situations, it is allowed to use these drugs three times a day.

The main principle of the use of folic acid drugs is regularity. It is important to remember that this vitamin cannot accumulate in the body. He is constantly spent on his needs.

The high need for it and determines that Take folic acid regularly. In order not to forget about the need to take a daily dose, you should use a special calendar. It is possible to cross out the dates of taking the drug or make notes in any convenient way.

Before using the drug, the doctor necessarily calculates the required dosage, which is required for a specific patient. If babies in previous births have babies with chromosomal abnormalities, then in this situation, the dose of folic acid in a real pregnancy can be doubled.

In some cases, the doctor may recommend to stop taking oral hormonal contraceptives. Typically, such recommendations are given to women who are assigned fairly high doses of folic acid for exchange intake.

It is important to remember that various medicinal substances affect the absorption of folic acid. So, it is undesirable to use it with certain types of antibiotics, cytotoxic drugs, anticonvulsants and painkillers, as well as some hormonal medications. They can lead to a decrease in the absorption of folic acid in the female body.

The peculiarity of folic acid metabolism in the body contributes to the fact that the risk of supersaturation is minimal. High concentration of a substance in the blood leads to the fact that it begins to actively stand out with the urine. This situation reduces the risk of overdosing to almost zero.

Experts felt that in order for the body to have a glut of folic acid, it must be drunk. more than 40 tablets. A woman who is in a sober mind will never do this. This is largely a confirmation that it is practically impossible to contribute to an overdose of this substance in a normal situation.

However, if a woman has any diseases of the kidneys and urinary tract, and she uses a lot of folic acid, this can lead to a short-term increase in the level of this substance in the blood.

In this situation, she will have various adverse symptoms. Overdose may be accompanied by the appearance of pain in the stomach, a feeling of "overflow", increasing anxiety. A woman may develop nausea. In some situations, even vomiting is possible. In this case, immediate medical attention is required.

There is a myth that folic acid is synthesized in sufficient quantities by intestinal microflora. This is not entirely true. Indeed, a small amount of folic acid is formed in it. However, this concentration is not enough to ensure all the needs of the body.

If a woman’s diet is irrational and does not include enough folates, then this will inevitably lead to the development of her folic deficiency state. It can adversely affect the prenatal development of the baby. In order to avoid this, women who plan to conceive a baby should carefully monitor their nutrition.

It is important to note that folic acid is contained not only in medicinal preparations. It is also present in some foods. Their regular use contributes to the normalization of the state of the female body.

For a woman planning to become a mother, it is very important to remember that when eating foods rich in folic acid, It is very important to observe the dosage of folic acid drugs. In order to eliminate even the minimal risk of overdose, it is necessary to visit a doctor before taking folic acid tablets. The doctor will select the optimal dosage that is required in each specific situation.

A lot of folic acid is found in nuts. For the prevention of folic acid deficiency almonds and walnuts are perfect. When used, it is very important to remember the norm. Nuts are very nutritious and high in calories. To use them in large quantities is not worth it, since they can provoke weight gain.

Folic acid compounds can also be found in various by-products as well as animal products. Women who want to maintain optimal weight should not choose too fatty meats. Best fit lean beef or veal, various game and chicken, as well as liver. Such products also contain a whole complex of various vitamins and vital amino acids necessary for the full functioning of the body.

Folic acid is also found in various fish varieties. In the marine inhabitants of this substance is somewhat more than in the river. Fish is an excellent source of various vitamins that are necessary for the female body at the planning stage of the baby. The undoubted plus of such food is easy digestibility and relatively low calorie content.

This substance is also found in various cereals. Folic acid is present in buckwheat, oatmeal, and rice. Regular consumption of various cereals will not only be an excellent addition to the daily menu, but also help to normalize the metabolism and vitamins.

As a side dish you can use not only cereals. Folic acid can also be found in leafy greens. Regular consumption of fresh parsley, dill and cilantro will help improve health and give the body the necessary vitamin charge. Eat leafy greens can be as a component for the salad, as well as independently.

Folic acid compounds can also be found in various fruits. In order for the body to receive a diverse range of vitamins and minerals, you should eat different fruits. Women who have a specific fruit allergy, you should be very attentive to your diet and eliminate allergens from the menu.

Contains folic acid in moderation and in various dairy products and eggs. In these products are also present and the necessary proteins necessary for the full operation of the female body. They should be consumed at least 1-2 servings per day.

Doctors advise you to include fresh vegetable salads in your menu and use leafy greens. In this form, folic acid is best absorbed by the body. High cooking temperatures lead to a partial breakdown of this important vitamin. A great way to cook fish or meat products is to use a double boiler.

A variety of balanced diet containing enough fruits, vegetables and protein foods will be the guarantor of providing the body with the necessary folic acid.

Dr. Komarovsky will tell you all about pregnancy planning and folic acid in the next video.