Folic acid is among the essential materials that are very important for well-being, this article explores the consequences of Folic acid deficiency in pregnancy, the significance of folic acid in pregnancy, and strategies for the prevention of folic acid deficiency in pregnancy.
Pregnancy is a transformative period marked by numerous physiological changes, and ensuring optimal maternal and fetal health is very important.
Folic acid plays a crucial role, it's also known as vitamin B9, is instrumental in preventing neural tube defects (NTDs) and supporting proper fetal development.
What is Folic acid?
Folic acid is a water-soluble B vitamin that plays a vital role in DNA synthesis, repair, and methylation processes, it also plays a role in the formation of Red Blood Cells which explains why you can develop anemia if you are not getting enough folic acid from your diet.
During pregnancy, the demand for folic acid increases significantly due to the rapid cell division and tissue growth that occurs in the developing fetus, thus folic acid deficiency in pregnancy can have serious adverse effects on the mother and the baby.
Causes of folic acid deficiency in pregnancy
Folic acid deficiency in pregnancy has serious complications so taking folic acid daily from food is very important.
Folic acid can’t be stored in the body when needed, so during pregnancy, folic acid in the body may be very low due to some causes, some of which we can control and others not.
Some of these causes are as follows:
- Poor intake of folic acid in the diet: such as leafy green vegetables, legumes, fortified cereals, and citrus fruits.
- Alcohol drinking: makes the intestine unable to absorb folic acid.
- Some medications: make the body unable to absorb folic acid like phenytoin, methotrexate, sulfasalazine, and barbiturates.
- Genetic issues: make the body unable to absorb folic acid.
Symptoms of folic acid deficiency in pregnancy
The symptoms of folic acid deficiency during pregnancy can be different from one person to another, some of these symptoms may be as follows:
- Feeling always tired and having low energy
- Short breaths
- Headaches
- Diarrhea
- Low appetite
- Skin paleness
Consequences for folic acid deficiency in pregnancy
Adequate folic acid levels are particularly critical during the first trimester when the neural tube is formed.
Neural Tube Defects (NTDs)
One of the most well-known consequences of folic acid deficiency in pregnancy is the increased risk of neural tube defects (NTDs), which affect the brain and spinal cord.
Conditions such as spina bifida and anencephaly can result from incomplete closure of the neural tube and this condition usually requires surgical intervention for the baby.
These defects may lead to lifelong disabilities or, in severe cases, be fatal.
Preterm Birth and Low Birth Weight
Folic acid deficiency in pregnancy has been linked to an elevated risk of preterm birth (giving birth before the required time) and low birth weight.
Insufficient folic acid levels may contribute to placental abnormalities and compromise the nutrient supply to the developing fetus, increasing the likelihood of adverse birth outcomes.
Maternal Anemia
Folic acid plays a crucial role in red blood cell formation, which is responsible for the transportation of oxygen to all the body parts.
Folic acid deficiency in pregnancy can lead to maternal anemia, characterized by fatigue, weakness, and a decreased ability to transport oxygen to the body parts.
Maternal anemia poses risks not only to the mother but also to the developing fetus, potentially affecting its growth and development.
Doctors recommend taking supplements containing folic acid daily for the treatment of anemia and also eating foods that are rich in folic acid like some fruits and vegetables (beans, spinach, and oranges).
Some doctors may even go for taking folic acid intravenously if the folic acid deficiency in pregnancy doesn’t resolve.
Developmental Delays and Cognitive Impairment
In addition to the risk of NTDs, folic acid deficiency in pregnancy has been associated with developmental delays and cognitive impairment in children. The role of folic acid in brain development highlights its importance for the long-term cognitive health of the baby.
Preventing Folic Acid Deficiency
Diagnosing before pregnancy
Your doctor should order blood count tests regularly if the results have a low number of Red Blood Cells or large and immature Red Blood Cells, then there is folic acid deficiency and the patient should have supplementation of folic acid and eat foods rich in it to avoid folic acid deficiency in pregnancy.
Supplementation
Recognizing the challenges of obtaining sufficient folic acid from diet alone, prenatal supplements containing folic acid are recommended for women planning to conceive who are at risk of folic acid deficiency in pregnancy throughout the first trimester.
The standard recommendation is 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid daily, but higher doses may be recommended for women with specific risk factors.
Dietary Sources
While supplementation is crucial to treat folic acid deficiency in pregnancy, incorporating folic acid-rich foods into the diet is also important. Foods such as leafy green vegetables, legumes, fortified cereals, and citrus fruits are excellent sources of naturally occurring or fortified folic acid.
Preconception Care
Folic acid supplementation ideally begins before conception to avoid folic acid deficiency in pregnancy, as neural tube development occurs in the early weeks of pregnancy 9first trimester), often before a woman is aware she is pregnant.
Preconception care emphasizes the importance of optimal health before pregnancy to reduce the risk of birth defects and complications.
Regular Prenatal Check-ups
Regular prenatal check-ups enable healthcare providers to monitor maternal folic acid levels and provide guidance on supplementation and dietary habits.
Individualized care plans can be developed based on a woman's specific needs and risk factors.
Summary
Folic acid deficiency in pregnancy has significant risks to both maternal and fetal health, emphasizing the need for awareness, preventive measures, and early intervention.
Adequate supplementation and a balanced diet rich in folic acid can substantially reduce the incidence of neural tube defects and other associated complications.
Educating women about the importance of folic acid, promoting preconception care, and ensuring access to prenatal healthcare are essential steps in ensuring the well-being and safety of both mothers and their unborn children.
Read more about:
You must be logged in to post a comment.