Preparing to welcome a baby into your life is one of the most incredible things you’ll ever experience. However, it can be a little bit daunting too. There is a lot to remember and becoming a parent for the first time is overwhelming, but we’re here to help.
So let’s talk about pregnancy and folic acid.
When planning a baby, it is important to take 0.4mg of folic acid daily for at least 14 weeks before you become pregnant and continue taking it for at least the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.
Also, approximately 50% of pregnancies are unplanned, therefore all females capable of conceiving should take folic acid every day.
Folic acid helps prevent Spina Bifida and other Neural Tube Defects. NTDs are birth defects of the brain, spinal cord and the spine. They happen in the first month of pregnancy, often before you know you’re expecting.
It also protects against other defects like cleft palate and lip.
As well as preventing birth defects, folic acid also helps regulate your mood. Folic acid and Vitamin B lowers your homocysteine levels, which are often found in people who are suffering from mental health disorders like depression.
Folic acid also helps reduce the risk of pre-eclampsia by 63 percent.
Another positive to taking folic acid is how it protects your teeth. It produces certain mouth cells which prevent gum inflammation, dental plaque, bad breath and tooth decay.
When planning a baby, it is important to take 0.4mg of folic acid daily for at least 14 weeks before you become pregnant and continue taking it for at least the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.
Clonfolic is available from all good pharmacies nationwide. For more information visit www.clonfolic.ie
