The Importance of Folic Acid (B9) in Pregnancy Planning
Folic acid, also known as B9, plays a key role in preparing for pregnancy and the health of the unborn child. Its functions include participation in DNA replication, blood cell production, influencing RNA production, and maintaining neurotransmitters that regulate appetite and sleep. In addition, it has antioxidant properties, reduces the risk of tumor development and atherosclerosis, and strengthens the immune system.
Preparing for Pregnancy
Doctors recommend taking folic acid to both future parents 3-4 months before conception. This will help reduce the risk of various pathologies in the fetus and diseases in the mother. Folic acid deficiency can lead to serious birth defects in the child, such as improper formation of facial bones, heart defects, and genitourinary system defects. Therefore, taking it before and during pregnancy is especially important, as it plays a key role in the formation of the placenta, prevents miscarriage, and reduces the risk of premature birth.
Why Should Men Take Folic Acid?
When planning a pregnancy, folic acid is also important for men. It improves sperm quality, reduces the risk of male infertility and the likelihood of mutations in male germ cells, which reduces the risk of genetic abnormalities in the unborn child.
Toxicosis and Folic Acid Deficiency
Toxicosis, a pathological condition during pregnancy, can be caused by various factors, including folic acid deficiency. This condition of the mother directly affects the severity of toxicosis, which can affect the development of the child. Considering that in the first weeks of pregnancy, all the organ systems of the fetus are formed, the increased need for vitamins and microelements in a woman becomes 25% more important.
Maintaining optimal levels of folic acid in both expectant mothers and fathers plays a key role in ensuring the health and well-being of both mother and child. Therefore, its intake is recommended to be included in the diet already at the stage of pregnancy planning.
Reference:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11081602/