Folic acid & pregnancy

Folic Acid: an essential nutrient in pregnancy

We often hear about the importance of folic acid in pregnancy - but why do we need this nutrient? What is the impact to our pregnancy when we take it - and how much should we be taking?

What does folic acid do?

Folic Acid or Vitamin B9 is a vitamin naturally found in many foods. It helps us form DNA, RNA and proteins, playing a key role in creating health red blood cells - which is important during times of growth, such as pregnancy and fetal development! Folic acid also helps us break down a compound called homocysteine which can have harmful effects in our body (& pregnancy!) if we have too much. 

Folic acid has been found to be an important supplement in the prevention of neural tube defects in babies. The development of the neural tube in babies happens very early in pregnancy and when there is a defect to how it develops the top of the spinal cord and brain doesn’t close properly. The most common neural tube defects are spinal bifida or anencephaly which can increase the risk of harm to the baby in utero or after birth. Due to its importance this discovery lead to the fortification of many foods with folic acid, such as breads, flours, pastas and other grains.

What else does Folic Acid prevent?

While preventing neural tube defects remains one of our top goals with proper folic acid supplementation - supplementing has also been shown to prevent heart defects, small for gestational age babies (we don’t want them to be too small or too big!) and reduces the risk of Austism Spectrum Disorder.

Who should take folic acid?

Despite the fortification of foods, it is still recommended that women of child bearing age (especially those who are sexually active and NOT using a method of contraception) to be taking at least 500 mcg of folic acid daily.

In reality however, we might want this number to be higher.  If you are a regular alcohol drinker ( alcohol can impair its absorption) or if you are currently pregnant or lactating, our folic acid demands increase (and therefore how much we need to take increases!).

When should I be taking it?

The real window of opportunity for folic acid is actually pre-conception to the first early few weeks of pregnancy - which is why it’s important to be on a supplement if you are having any unprotected sex that may lead to pregnancy, as this is often within the time you don’t realize you are pregnant!

Interested in learning more about prenatal care or have more questions about your health? Book a complimentary meet and greet with one of our Naturopathic Doctors today.