Folic acid is the synthetic form of folate, or vitamin B-9. Folate plays a role in DNA synthesis and the creation and division of red blood cells, which are especially important during pregnancy. Because of this, folic acid needs increase while you are pregnant. If you do not get enough folic acid during pregnancy, you put your baby at risk of developing neural tube defects.
Spina Bifida
The neural tube is an embryonic structure that eventually turns into the baby's brain, spinal cord and encapsulating tissues. Spina bifida occurs when the neural tube does not close properly. As a result, defects in the backbone and spinal cord develop. The spinal cord may contain small gaps between the vertebrae, or the spinal canal may be completely exposed in the lower back.
Anencephaly
Anencephaly is characterized by an absence of a large part of the brain and skull. Babies born with anencephaly may also have heart defects and deformities in the face. Anencephaly occurs when the upper part of the neural tube does not close properly. It is one of the most common neural tube defects, occurring in about 1 in 10,000 births, according to MedlinePlus.
Needs and Sources
Although the terms are often used interchangeably, folic acid and folate are not the same thing. Folate is naturally found in foods such as green leafy vegetables, beans, whole grains and citrus fruits. Folic acid is added to fortified foods, such as cereal and bread, or available as a supplement. The recommended daily allowance during pregnancy represents the combined total of folate and folic acid. The Food and Nutrition Board, which is the group that determines the dietary reference intakes, recommends that pregnant women consume 600 mcg of folate per day. Of this total intake, 400 mcg should come from folic acid supplements, according to Penn Medicine. Because the neural tube develops within the first 28 days of pregnancy, it is especially important to meet your needs during this time.
Considerations
While meeting your folic acid needs helps prevent neural tube defects, it isn't a guarantee that your baby will be born without any birth defects. Other risk factors include a family history of neural tube defects, prior pregnancy with neural tube defects, and diabetes. Neural tube defects can also develop as a result of sitting in a hot tub or having a fever during early pregnancy, and taking certain anti-seizure medications. Women who are extremely overweight also have a higher risk of delivering a baby with a neural tube defect. Because of this, pregnant women who are obese may have increased folic acid needs. Talk to your doctor to determine exactly how much folic acid you need.
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