A healthy diet during pregnancy has the important job of providing nourishment for both the mother and her growing baby. Increased amounts of certain nutrients that play a special role in the healthy development of the baby are required during pregnancy. Folic acid, also referred to as folate, is one vitamin that is particularly important in pregnancy.
Function of Folic Acid in Pregnancy
Your body needs folic acid to produce blood and protein and for proper enzyme function. During pregnancy, folate plays an important role in the formation of your baby's neural tube, which later develops into your baby's spinal cord. Adequate folic acid during pregnancy can help prevent neural tube defects, a group of serious medical conditions that affect the brain and the spinal cord. Research conducted the Karolinska Institute in Sweden and at the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development revealed that adequate folic acid can also help prevent miscarriage.
Folic Acid Recommendations
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that all women of childbearing age consume 400 mcg of folic acid each day. Once you are pregnant, increase your folic acid intake to 600 mcg daily. Because a baby's neural tube forms so early in pregnancy, often even before a woman knows she is pregnant, it is critical to take folic acid prior to conception. Prenatal vitamins, which doctors recommend for most pregnant women, generally contain adequate folic acid. Depending on your pregnancy and health history, your doctor may prescribe you a larger dose of folic acid. Ask your doctor how much folic acid you should take on a daily basis.
Folate-Rich Foods
Because folic acid is so important in pregnancy, a diet rich in folic acid is recommended in addition to a folic acid supplement, according to the American Dietetic Association. Folate is found naturally in citrus fruits and juices, dark green leafy vegetables, beans and nuts. To reduce the incidence of neural tube defects, the FDA requires that grain products, including bread, cereal and pasta are fortified with folic acid, making them a good source of folate as well.
Professional Resources
If you have questions about your folate intake or about a healthy diet during pregnancy, consult a registered dietitian. A dietitian can assess your nutritional status and your nutritional needs, and help you design an eating plan that fits your lifestyle. A dietitian can help you find ways to incorporate folate-rich foods in your diet and can teach you how to plan a balanced diet.
References
- March of Dimes: Take Folic Acid Before You're Pregnant
- American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists: Nutrition During Pregnancy
- American Dietetic Association: The Importance of Folic Acid During Pregnancy
- American Pregnancy Association: Folic Acid
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Folic Acid
- National Institutes of Health: Folate Deficiency Associated with Higher Early Miscarriage Risk; October 2002
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