Folic Acid Before Pregnancy: Why is folic acid important before pregnancy? Doctors told the most effective way to prevent congenital disorders

News India Live, Digital Desk: Taking care of health is most important in the journey of motherhood. Recently doctors and health experts have issued an important advice: women who are planning for conception should start taking folic acid at least one to three months in advance. This simple step can prove to be a game-changer in protecting the baby from serious congenital disorders, especially ‘Neural Tube Defects’. What is folic acid and why is it important? Folic acid is a synthetic form of vitamin B9. It is essential for the formation of new cells and synthesis of DNA in the body. In the early weeks of pregnancy, when many women are not even aware of their pregnancy, the fetus’s brain and spinal cord are developing.1. Protection from Neural Tube Defects (NTDs) According to doctors, folic acid can reduce the risk of serious defects related to the baby’s spine (Spina Bifida) and brain (Anencephaly) by 70%. These disorders develop within the first 28 days of pregnancy.2. Protection from anemia: The demand for blood in women’s body increases during pregnancy. Folic acid helps in the formation of red blood cells, which reduces the risk of anemia (blood deficiency) in the mother.3. Other BenefitsResearch suggests that taking folic acid pre-conception (before conception) may also prevent problems such as pre-term birth and low birth weight. Doctors advise: How much is right? Experts say it is often challenging to get enough folic acid from the diet, so supplementation is important: Usual dosage: 400 micrograms (mcg) daily for women planning pregnancy. Folic acid is recommended.Duration: It should be started at least 1 month before conception and continued till the first trimester of pregnancy (first 3 months).Special conditions: If there is a history of congenital disorders in the family, the doctor may recommend a higher dose (eg 5mg).Natural Sources of Folic AcidApart from supplements, you can include these things in your diet:Green leafy vegetables: Spinach, broccoli and Fenugreek. Pulses and legumes: kidney beans, gram and lentils. Citrus fruits: orange and lemon. Fortified foods: cereals or rice to which folic acid has been added.