PREGNANCY NUTRITION The concept of ‘healthier pregnancies’ has reinforced a positive direction to prevent fetal damages from malnutrition, infection and drug abuse. This section provides you with key facts for a healthy pregnancy.

Folic acid: Why do I need folic acid?

Folic Acid, also known as vitamin B9 or folate, is highly recommended by all doctors in pregnancy. Ideally you should start consuming folic acid when you start planning for the baby. This prevents neural tube birth defects.

Some studies show that women who take the recommended daily dose of folic acid one month before conceiving and regularly in the first trimester reduce the risk of birth defects to a large extent.

Women who don’t get enough folic acid may increase their risk of miscarriage.

Folic acid is needed for basic building of the cells. It helps in functioning of the DNA and helps in rapid cell growth during pregnancy. Its absence can result in too much homocysteine in the blood leading to certain birth defects. It converts one amino acid in your blood, homocysteine to another amino acid mithionine. It can also lead to consistent miscarriages and stillbirth. It helps in producing normal blood cells that helps in preventing anemia. It produces chemicals in the nervous system called norepinephrine and serotonin.

 It also aids in cell division and formation of red blood cells.

In later pregnancy, it is associated with a lower risk of growth restriction and an increased birth weight. It possibly also lowers the chances of pre eclampsia.

Good sources:  orange, banana, avocados, fruits and green leafy vegetables, lentils, peas, beans and spinach. Most grain products are also fortified with folic acid.