Acid folic for pregnancy or B9 vitamin is very important. Indeed, it is important during the preconception period and during pregnancy. Acid folic will protect the fetus from birth defects that can be exposed to it, especially defects associated with the nervous system. So, in this article, we will talk about everything related to folic acid for pregnancy.

1. What is acid folic?

Vitamin B9 is a water-soluble vitamin essential for cell multiplication and the production of genetic material (including DNA). It is involved in the production of red and white blood cells, the renewal of the skin and the wall of the intestine, as well as in the synthesis of chemicals that modulate the functioning of the brain. The acid folic for pregnancy is very important; it plays a major role in the formation of the nervous system of the embryo.

2. The benefits of acid folic for pregnancy

2.1 The benefits of acid folic on fertility

Acid folic is a valuable vitamin for all people of childbearing age. It plays an important role in fertility in both women and men:

In women:

Research conducted at the University Medical Center in Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany, has shown that adding micronutrients to the diet, including acid folic, could greatly increase the chances of getting pregnant by helping everyone to progress smoothly. Menstrual cycles and ovulation. Vitamin B9 could even act as a remedy for female infertility.

In men:

Several recent studies show that acid folic plays a significant role in spermatogenesis. It would affect the quality and quantity of sperm. Zinc and vitamin B9 supplements may increase the concentration of sperm that can fertilize the egg.

2.2 The benefits of acid folic during pregnancy

- Taking acid folic during pregnancy, especially in the second trimester of pregnancy, protects and reduces the risk of premature birth, miscarriage, and other complications of pregnancy, such as heart disease, stroke, and some types of cancer and Alzheimer's.-Protecting the fetus from birth defects. Failure to take the appropriate dose of acid folic during pregnancy can cause serious problems to the fetus because the neural tube, as a result, may not form properly. This results in so-called neural tube defects, including the incomplete growth of the spinal cord or vertebrae, and the incomplete growth of major parts of the brain of the fetus.

  • Prevent anemia.
  • Preventing pregnant women from getting nervous and depressed.

2.3 The importance of acid folic after pregnancy

Acid folic is not limited to a pregnant woman only; it is also recommended by doctors after childbirth and during the breastfeeding period. So that the woman can make up for what she lost during the childbirth period.Related: What is the importance of a well-balanced and healthy diet?

3. The dose of acid folic for pregnancy

The recommended dose for all women of childbearing age is 400 micrograms daily (0.4 mg). If you are taking multivitamin tablets, you should make sure that the dose of acid folic in it is equal to the recommended dose. Here is the recommended dose of acid folic for pregnancy.Before conception: 400 micrograms = 0.4 mg.The first three months of pregnancy: 400 micrograms = 0.4 mg.From the fourth to ninth months of pregnancy: 600 micrograms = 0.6 mg.During breastfeeding: 500 micrograms = 0.5 mg.

4. Foods that contain the acid folic

Vitamin B9 cannot be synthesized by the human body and must, therefore, be provided by food. It is also called "folate" - from the Latin folium - it is present in green leafy vegetables.Dark green vegetables: spinach, chard, watercress, butter beans, asparagus, brussels sprouts, broccoli, romaine lettuce, etc.Legumes: lentils (oranges, green, black), dried beans, beans, peas (split, chick, whole).Orange-colored fruits: oranges, clementines, mandarins, melonRecommendation: consume legumes at least every 2-3 days and try to choose the greenest vegetables possible!

Originally published on Live Positively.