Folic acid is the synthetic form of folate, an important B vitamin that contributes to proper DNA formation. The National Institutes of Health notes that folic acid is essential for the formation and maintenance of new cells and is particularly crucial during times of cell division, such as during pregnancy. A deficiency in folic acid may lead to certain neural tube defects that can severely impact the health and survival of an unborn baby. If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant, learn the importance of folic acid to help prevent these birth defects.
Importance of Folic Acid During Pregnancy
Taking in sufficient amounts of folic acid before conception, as well as throughout your pregnancy may reduce your risk of neural tube defects by as much as 50 percent, the American Academy of Pediatrics reports. The recommended amount of folic acid, both pre- and post-conception, is between 400 mcg and 600 mcg per day. This amount of folic acid will help your unborn baby's neural tube close properly, which occurs during the first four weeks after conception. Two major birth defects, spina bifida and anencephaly, may result from a folic acid deficiency, although other neural tube defects are also possible.
Spina Bifida
The neural tube will develop into the brain and spinal column, which can fail to happen if you are deficient in folic acid. Spina bifida occurs when the neural tube does not close the way it should. Spina bifida can be so mild that the only evidence it exists is a dimple or collection of fat above the area of the spinal column affected. More serious spina bifida results in an open spinal column, which increases risk for serious infections. Spina bifida can also cause brain damage, paralysis, bowel problems and seizures, MayoClinic.com reports.
Anencephaly
Another defect possible with low folic acid intake is anencephaly, which is an abnormality in how the neural tube closes during the third and fourth weeks of pregnancy. Anencephaly occurs if the head end of the neural tube does not close properly and results in an unborn baby missing a piece of her brain. Babies born with anencephaly are missing their forebrain and cerebrum. The portions of the brain that have formed are not covered with bone or skin. Babies born with this condition are blind, deaf and are unable to feel pain. They are also born stillborn or unconscious. If unconscious when born, death usually follows within hours or days.
Foods Rich in Folic Acid
Eating a diet rich in folic acid, as well as taking a prenatal vitamin, will help you consume enough of this vitamin to prevent neural tube defects. It is also essential to begin consuming more folic acid if you are planning to become pregnant. Leafy green vegetables, fortified breakfast cereals, broccoli, asparagus, egg yolks, black-eyed peas, avocado and peas are all nutritious foods that contain a good dose of folate or synthetic folic acid.
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