What does folic acid do during pregnancy? Folic acid in early pregnancy dosage

For women expecting the birth of a child, the most important thing is to take care of their health. This includes a lot. Nutrition is the basis. What else is needed, in addition to high-quality products, you will learn from this article.

Useful for everyone

Many people have probably heard about folic acid. It is extremely important for our body. It was obtained relatively recently (in 1941) from spinach leaves. And it was synthesized for the first time in 1946.

This acid is a capricious and unstable thing. About half of it disappears if you keep the product in the light for a long time. And if you boil or fry vegetables and herbs that contain folic acid, it can be destroyed by 90%!

However, (the second name for folic acid) is very necessary for a person, especially since it is almost not produced inside the body. In any case, it is synthesized in such small quantities that daily requirement There is no way to cover this.

What is the role of folic acid? It is easier to say in which organs it is not involved than to list where this substance is involved.

So, its role in activities is important hematopoietic organs and intestines, as well as in the functioning of the liver. Acid perfectly supports the immune system, and also promotes transformations in redox processes and helps the functioning of blood cells (white and red). It definitely participates in protein biosynthesis and has a great effect on the brain, its functioning, and so on.

What if there is a shortage?

Don’t be surprised, because our bodies are quite complex physical and chemical devices! And when there is not enough B9 in them (and this happens to almost everyone!), then fatigue and insomnia, anxiety and loss of appetite, problems with breathing and memory begin. Add apathy with anemia, various abdominal pains and unpleasant nausea, mouth ulcers and general depression. There is even graying of hair and hair loss. Let's not even talk about dementia and birth defects in newborns.

These are the kind of troubles (and sometimes grief) that small flat yellow pills can free us from, which we should take regularly, but do not do this, either out of ignorance, or out of carelessness.

But the largest is observed in women who take hormonal medications and are addicted to alcohol.

By the way, the drug is sold without a prescription, and it will not ruin you at all. Any pharmacy has folic acid. The price will surprise you: from 27 to 35 rubles (per package of 1 mg, 50 pieces, from different manufacturers).

Important for everyone

Until recently, B9 was for some reason considered a ladies’ vitamin. But recent scientific evidence reports that it will not harm the stronger sex, especially when they want to become fathers. And in general, for any adult, such pills are a good and simply mandatory help for strengthening the body.

In what other cases will these tablets be indispensable? extremely necessary. What is its use? It ensures the correct rate of growth and development of the expected baby. Cell division of cells, including blood cells, cannot be done without this substance. But the most valuable thing is that folic acid is very necessary for early stages pregnancy. Moreover, many experts advise taking it already when you are just planning to have a baby. So to speak, it is better to start strengthening your body in advance, because with a lack of vitamin B9 there will be much more high danger the appearance of a variety of congenital defects in the fetus.

Many experiments by scientists have proven that folic acid is a strong barrier that protects against abnormalities in the development of the fetus’s neural tube, which threaten many pathologies, such as prematurity and malnutrition. And the latter is nothing more than a disorder (and a chronic one) of nutrition and digestion in general in young children. They begin to develop exhaustion, their immunity drops greatly, and many vital functions of the young body are disrupted.

Therefore, you need to take your pregnancy very seriously! And then the baby will be born strong and healthy.

Growing in the garden

Of course, vitamin B9 can be consumed without going to the pharmacy, because it often grows in our garden. The same spinach is rich in it. Don't forget about the seeds soybeans, beans, asparagus, cabbage and even peanuts.

Most of all, yeast and liver are saturated with it, both animals and birds. Herbs that are good in this regard are: basil, rosemary, parsley and other herbs. Include all this in your diet, if not daily, but at least once a week.

True, to provide for yourself necessary norm vitamin a day, you will have to consume literally kilograms of vegetables. Yes, and it can cost a pretty penny today. Pharmacies always have folic acid. Its price is low, as mentioned above.

In some countries, by the way, a law has been passed on mandatory fortification with folic acid. flour products and bread.

From the very first days

But, you say, if the products themselves contain natural B9, then why and how much should you drink pharmaceutical folic acid during pregnancy? This must be done because during the preparation of lunches, part of the vitamin is destroyed. In addition, the range of foods rich in folic acid in our diet is not so large. And even if you have super-nutritious food, it still will not cover the body’s normal needs for B9. And the availability of this substance natural origin small when compared with those tablets sold in pharmacies.

A lot of people take the drug " Folic acid"during pregnancy. Reviews about it are only positive. It is advisable for any expectant mother to take B9 for preventive purposes (up to 12 weeks inclusive). And for some, based on test results, “loading” doses are prescribed. The main thing is that all your actions should be directed by doctors, specialists, and not by an acquaintance, friend or even relatives.

What is the dose?

The question of how much folic acid to drink during pregnancy is decided by the gynecologist. The daily norm has now been established for those women who are expecting a child, and this is 0.4 mg. But there are cases - and there are many of them - when the dose can become much larger. For example, this applies to patients whose children have some developmental defects. Also, for those who are already taking other medications, it is recommended to increase the dosage to 4-5 mg (if taken daily). Next, the drug is prescribed based on the results of studying how the baby is formed.

But at the same time, as scientists have found, in any case, an overdose of B9 cannot harm the embryo in its development.

Features of use

So when is the best time to start taking folic acid during pregnancy? How many tablets per day? Women who are serious about the health of their unborn child should take them even before conception, exactly from the moment they want to give birth. Dose per day - 0.4 mg. And then, when pregnancy occurs, there is no need to stop taking it.

Why do you need to immediately go to the pharmacy at the first hint of pregnancy? Because you may miss the most active phase of development in the neural tube embryo. And it ends in the sixth week.

Whether or not to use all the sets of vitamins that the doctor strongly recommends is up to each woman to decide for herself. This is, after all, her own business. But, as we know, not all ladies are obedient, and many are simply frivolous and neglect advice. Others believe that the opinion of experienced pregnant women is more important. And doctors, they say, only need to prescribe more pills.

But deny real facts- means deliberately causing harm not only to yourself personally, but also to the unborn baby. And then you will cry that you didn’t listen to what the gynecologist said.

After all, at the first thought that you are a lady in an interesting position, it’s not at all difficult to rush to the clinic. And they will tell you how to take folic acid during pregnancy.

Tocopherol

If a woman finds out that she is having a child, she registers with the doctor. And he immediately prescribes her another drug. Because folic acid and vitamin E during pregnancy are the two most necessary things.

And again, some ladies do not want to follow the specialist’s recommendations. For what? Like, they feel great. And doing so is actually very bad.

In general, tocopherol is the second in translation Greek language this means the following: “tokos” - birth, and “ferro” - burden, wear. In other words, the drug promotes conception itself, gestation, and even the birth of a baby. This is his triple invaluable mission.

Please note: it is equally useful for both mothers and their children. It is not enough to know how to take folic acid during pregnancy. You also need this useful supplement. Which we will now prove.

Visible advantages

We present to doubters a whole list of positive properties of tocopherol. It prevents the danger of miscarriage, and that's the first thing. Then, he takes a significant part in creating the baby’s breathing system. It helps the placenta mature in a timely manner and preserves flexibility blood vessels, prevents blood clots from forming, supports the functioning of hormones, and also promotes the production of prolactin (it is this that “supplies” the mother with milk after the birth of the child). As you can see, the question is not only how much folic acid to drink during pregnancy.

Even without tocopherol, there would be a threat of leg cramps in a pregnant woman. Vitamin E also affects the way her skin, hair and nails look, both during pregnancy and after childbirth. Finally, the drug begins to treat the same dysfunction of female ovaries and more.

One minus

But this is why this important vitamin is always recommended in This is interesting. As it turned out, despite the great advantages, you cannot drink tocopherol for a long time. It has the property of accumulating in tissues (fat). Over time comes an oversupply of this substance, which leads to very adverse event. Before giving birth, a woman’s muscles become overly elastic, and this is not at all necessary at such a crucial moment.

Not yesterday it was proven that a person needs to take only 20 mg of tocopherol per day. But pregnancy is a special case! And here the dosage of the vitamin depends on many things: the condition of the gynecologist’s ward, the results of recent tests. Even the height and weight of the pregnant woman matter. So they usually prescribe this vitamin at 200-400 mg per day.

Rosehip and bran

Pregnant women should also take into account the following: how the doctor prescribed tocopherol for them - alone or together with other microelements.

And the most unexpected thing is that you don’t have to drink vitamin E at all! In some, of course, individual situations and in contrast to folic acid. It is quite possible to obtain it simply for dining table. Eat eggs more often, don't forget about seeds. Do not give up rosehip decoctions. Cook yourself some buckwheat and oatmeal. There is also a lot of tocopherol in bran and wheat germ.

Be reasonable. Be sure to find out how much folic acid to drink during pregnancy and exactly how much tocopherol you need. Don't stop caring for yourself and your unborn child. This will allow you to give birth to wonderful babies and experience the true happiness of motherhood.

During pregnancy, everyone understands that the nutrients entering the body of the expectant mother provide not only for her, but also for the baby actively developing inside her. However, not all beneficial nutritional components have same value During this period, among them there are those whose balance is especially important during pregnancy. One of them is vitamin B9, folic acid, which is sometimes even called the “women’s vitamin.”

Beneficial properties of folic acid

In order to appreciate the role of vitamin B9 during pregnancy, it is important to understand what folic acid is, why women (and men) need it, and what role it plays in our body.

It can be said without exaggeration that the amount of this particular substance largely determines what kind of blood we have.

And if you consider that blood, as is known, performs the function of delivering nutrients to all our organs and the “removal” of all sorts of nasty things from them, ensures water balance in the body, and also protects it from foreign cells, it becomes clear that folic acid, indirectly providing all these functions, is really necessary for all organs of our body without exception.

Did you know? In organism adult woman blood volume is about five liters, about 20% more in men, in children school age- about three liters.

Its deficiency causes anemia, which is characterized, in addition to a decrease in the amount of red fluid, also by a change in its quality - a drop in the level of hemoglobin in it, and this means weakness, fatigue, drowsiness, dizziness and even loss of consciousness.

As a derivative of the above, folic acid provides:

  • normal functioning of our heart;
  • maintaining immunity;
  • normal intestinal microflora;
  • active cell division and tissue growth (let's remember this, because we are exploring the importance of folic acid in relation to pregnant women);
  • synthesis of enzymes, amino acids, as well as DNA and RNA chains;
  • liver and digestive system health;
  • correct nervous reactions (excitation and inhibition), including smoothing negative emotions(which is why it is sometimes called “vitamin Have a good mood"or "vitamin of happiness).
Now that we know how folic acid is beneficial in general, it becomes clear how important the mentioned functions of this vitamin are for those women who will soon become mothers.

Why do pregnant women need it?

Absence of vitamin B9 deficiency during pregnancy is a guarantee normal development embryo and wellness moms.

Risk of premature termination of pregnancy, development congenital pathologies(especially the brain and spinal cord) and mental retardation of the baby are also significantly reduced, as is the likelihood of the so-called defect in the development of the fetal neural tube, from which, in fact, the brain and spinal cord child, and therefore similar pathology in difficult cases it is even an indication for artificial interruption pregnancy.
In addition, which is also important, a normal supply of folic acid in the mother’s body will allow her to recover physically and emotionally after pregnancy much easier in the future, because, no matter what anyone says, the birth of a child is a serious burden on the female body.

Did you know? Vitamin B9 is needed not only by a pregnant woman, but also by a woman who is just planning to become a mother. That is why in the civilized world people make such decisions consciously and begin to prepare their bodies in advance - as a result of pathologies, tears, and tragedies, much fewer subsequently occur!

It is especially important to compensate in advance for the lack of this substance in the body for women who have taken hormonal hormones. oral contraceptives, abused alcohol.

Daily intake of vitamin B9 during pregnancy

Folic acid is necessary during pregnancy, but, like any vitamins, it must be taken in doses.

Important! The rule “the more the better” is categorically inapplicable not only to medicines, but also to vitamins, and during pregnancy, by breaking this rule, you risk not only your health, but also the health or even the life of your unborn child (however, how will As stated below, with regard to vitamin B9, excessive efforts harm more the woman herself than the baby, but it is still better to be reasonable and listen to the doctor’s advice)!

Doctors recommend that a pregnant woman take 400 mcg of vitamin B9 per day, which is why this substance is usually dosed in tablets so that it is taken once during the day. However, we must understand that we are talking about the average situation of taking folic acid during pregnancy - the dosage for a “normal” mother during a normal pregnancy (the so-called prophylactic dose).
About increasing the usual daily dose " women's vitamin", sometimes by an order of magnitude (ten times!) and even more, the doctor can make a decision when a pathology is diagnosed in the development of the neural tube of the fetus, as well as in cases where the expectant mother suffers from certain diseases (for example, diabetes, epilepsy, pathologies small intestine or stomach, etc.) and is treated with certain medications. In addition, an indication for increasing the dosage may be identified pathologies in relatives that increase the risk of hereditary defects in the infant.

Important! The tablet (or tablets) should be taken before meals, in which case active substance better absorbed. And also for maximum effect It is necessary to take vitamin B12 along with folic acid, since these two substances, when interacting, enhance beneficial features each other, and vice versa, in the absence of one useful action the other decreases sharply.

Folate deficiency

We have already mentioned the dangers of a lack of folic acid in the body of an expectant mother. External signs such a deficit primarily manifests itself in changes in the general emotional state women: she becomes depressed or, on the contrary, overly restless, irritable, feels causeless anxiety, can't concentrate.
Memory and digestion deteriorate, the mucous membrane of the mouth becomes inflamed, and the tongue becomes bright red. Hair may begin to turn gray. In particular severe cases Atherosclerosis may also develop and even a stroke or heart attack may occur.

Important! Symptoms of overdose in especially severe cases are indigestion, kidney disorders, severe nervous excitement, and also (oddly enough) anemia.

As for the fetus, in addition to retarded growth and development dangerous pathologies, the overall risk of miscarriage increases.

Overdose

It must be recognized that an overdose of vitamin B9 is less dangerous, including for pregnant women, than its deficiency.

First, talk about dangerous overdose This is only possible if, instead of one pill, you took at least 25 at a time or ate the vitamin by the handful for several weeks in a row.

Secondly, even in this case, an excess of vitamin in the body can pass without any serious negative consequences.
Thirdly, as already mentioned, cases of fetal development pathology as a result of an overdose of folic acid have not been reported.

That is why folic acid must be used in strict accordance with the doctor’s recommendations and after carefully studying the instructions for use, especially during pregnancy, when the body is weakened and is especially susceptible to all sorts of risks.

Did you know? Replenish daily norm folic acid during pregnancy due to natural sources It is almost impossible: what we are able to eat during the day contains less vitamin than our body needs. Besides, most of it is destroyed during heat treatment and simply does not enter our blood.

Sources of folic acid

Foods rich in folic acid include the green plant group - parsley, spinach, avocado, broccoli and Brussels sprouts, iceberg lettuce, green pea, onions, etc. There is also a lot of this substance in sprouted wheat, bran, asparagus, soybeans, lentils, melon, pumpkin, lemons and oranges, and yeast.

Of animal products, liver is especially useful from this point of view, as well as fish, meat and cheeses. That's why healthy eating, including a large amount of greenery, fresh vegetables and fruits, as well as milk, meat and fish, are, of course, necessary for a pregnant woman, but the lack of vitamins, in particular folic acid, must be replenished by taking special medications and strictly as prescribed by the doctor.

Almost all women during pregnancy are prescribed folic acid, since this component is necessary for planning and pregnancy. initial stage fetal development. Even active opponents of any medicines favorably regard this remedy. It is important that the dosage of folic acid during pregnancy is correct and does not exceed the permissible limit.

The fact is that a lack of this vitamin provokes Negative consequences. Folic acid plays a role in DNA synthesis, as well as in the process of cell growth and division. It is vital for bookmarking nervous system fetus Thanks to this element, it is possible to prevent the appearance of defects in the brain, neural tube, etc.

This component belongs to the B vitamins. It is also called vitamin B9. This is an important component for human body, but this is what is often missing. The deficiency is especially common in pregnant women and young children. Initially, this may not be noticeable, but over time, appetite disturbance occurs, fast fatiguability, irritability, diarrhea, vomiting, mouth becomes covered with ulcers, hair falls out. In advanced cases, megaloblastic anemia occurs, most often leading to death.

Folic acid, which is found in foods, breaks down quickly when exposed to sunlight and during heat treatment, which is why it is often prescribed in tablet form. Daily dose Folic acid supplementation for pregnant women must be prescribed by a doctor.

Why is its use so important? The explanation consists of several points:

  • It is involved in DNA synthesis. Without it, cell division is impossible. In other words, this vitamin is necessary element, which is responsible for the development of tissues and organs. This is especially important for the formation of the embryo.
  • Important for hematopoiesis. Participates in the formation of blood elements such as red blood cells, leukocytes and platelets.
  • Necessary for the creation of nucleic acids involved in the transmission of hereditary characteristics.
  • Participates in the formation of the fetal brain and neural tube.

Folic acid is removed from the body of a pregnant woman faster than usual. Taking some medicines increases the need for this component, for example, estrogens, antacids, anticonvulsants and zinc preparations.


In addition to the fact that the vitamin is involved in the creation of cells of the nervous system, it is necessary to replace approximately 70 trillion mother cells, because they are constantly renewed. Its deficiency can be passed on to the child during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

In many countries prerequisite The best way to take this important vitamin is during pregnancy planning and for three months upon pregnancy. This recommendation is also combined with dietary folate supplementation. Studies have shown that mothers who follow these tips have a reduced risk of having children with birth defects.

There is one drawback to folic acid, due to which it is prescribed only for early stages pregnancy. The point is its ability to accumulate in fatty tissues. As a result long-term use the component may be contained in excess in the body, causing the muscles to become very elastic, and this undesirable effect before childbirth.

What medications contain folic acid?

Some foods contain some folic acid. But the problem is that when cooking, a significant part of it is destroyed. Because of this, you should resort to medicinal method administration of the drug.

There are several types of medicines that include this component:

  • Folic acid tablets. They contain 1 mg of the substance. This best option, because the cost of the tablets is affordable for everyone. There folic acid is contained in the dose required during pregnancy. In other drugs it is higher. For a woman to get the norm, one tablet per day is enough. During the planning period and the first trimester of pregnancy, the doctor prescribes 2-3 tablets per day. It is believed that such an overdose cannot happen, much worse consequences deficit.
  • Folacin . It contains 5 mg of the substance. But in this form, folic acid during pregnancy can cause an overdose. There will be no harm to the body, but no more harm either, since the excess amount will be excreted.
  • Apo-filik . It contains 5 mg of the substance. This dosage is not preventive, but therapeutic. That is why folic acid for pregnant women in this dosage is prescribed only in case of obvious deficiency.
  • Folio . It contains 40 mcg of folic acid, as well as 200 mcg of iodine. This is why the drug is convenient - it contains two important element. This folic acid is indicated for pregnant women as a preventive dosage. It will meet the needs of mother and child if there is no deficiency.
  • such as Elevit, Materna, Vitrum prenatal, etc. All of them have a preventive dosage. If there is no deficiency, it is enough to take complexes where folic acid is present in the dosage required during pregnancy.

Foods with folic acid

The main source is flour coarse. There is a lot of vitamin in spinach, green peas, parsley, lettuce and beans. Significant amounts are also found in citrus fruits, avocados and asparagus. Among animal products, the richest is liver. Folic acid is present in small quantities in meat, fish and cheese.


Despite the fact that vegetarians do not eat meat, they do not have a deficiency. After all, they eat enough food plant origin, including greenery. If you don’t take them large quantities, then it is necessary to supplement the diet with folic acid in tablet form. In this case it is difficult to satisfy daily norm using food. This is especially true for the cold season.

To retain enough folic acid in vegetables, you need to eat them raw. You can also steam it. Getting this vitamin by consuming natural products prevents the risk of developing oncological diseases, affects the transmission of hereditary information into DNA.

If a person’s microflora is in order, then folic acid can be independently synthesized in small quantities. But strong tea removes it from the body.

Dosage during pregnancy

Doctors say that every second pregnant woman needs vitamin B9. Therefore, it is so important to know what dose of folic acid for pregnant women is indicated for a particular mother. The daily dose increases during pregnancy. The minimum dosage of folic acid in the first trimester of pregnancy is 400 mcg per day. But in most cases, twice as much is required - 800 mcg. If, as a result of the tests, it turns out that the deficiency is severe, then the dosage of folic acid during pregnancy in tablets reaches 5 mg.

The most common tablets are those in which folic acid, necessary during pregnancy, is contained in a dosage of 1 mg. One such tablet per day may be enough. In this case, an overdose cannot occur.

If a woman has a pronounced deficiency, then she will need stronger drugs - for example, Folacin or Apo-folic. One such tablet contains folic acid therapeutic dose for pregnant women – 5 mg.

How to prevent an overdose?

You should clearly know in what dosage to take folic acid for pregnant women in order to prevent an overdose, although it is not toxic to humans. An overdose can only occur if the drug is taken in a dose one hundred times higher than the norm. For example, 25-30 tablets per day.


Long-term use higher doses can be harmful for both mother and baby. There is a decrease in vitamin B12 in the blood, which causes anemia. Disturbances in the gastrointestinal tract may appear, kidney function changes, and increased nervous excitability. This can happen if you take 10-15 mg of the drug daily for three months or more.

Overdose symptoms:

  • The appearance of a metallic taste and bitterness in the mouth.
  • Increased excitability, sleep disturbance and irritability.
  • Gastrointestinal disorders - nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, flatulence.
  • Kidney disorders.
  • Deficiency of zinc and vitamin B 12.

Scientists from Norway conducted an experiment showing that women with high content Vitamin B9 was 1.5 times more likely to give birth to children who were prone to asthmatic diseases. But scientists were unable to name the dosage that leads to such consequences.

It is important to know that pregnancy and folic acid are inseparable, but the dosage should only be determined by a doctor. Already at the first consultation with a gynecologist, the expectant mother is introduced to this element. Some people believe that it should only be taken for the first three months. Next, you should switch to a vitamin complex. Other experts are confident that it is necessary to take folic acid in the early stages of pregnancy in the prescribed dosage, but also at other times. It has been proven that even representatives of the stronger sex who are preparing to become fathers benefit from the use of this substance.

The drug is sold in any pharmacy and always remains affordable. The cost may vary depending on the manufacturer and form of release. Before purchasing, you should check with your doctor what dosage of folic acid during pregnancy is required in your individual case. You should not make a decision about taking this drug on your own. Despite all its benefits, it is important that the doctor himself determines required dosage for a pregnant woman. It is important to take your situation seriously, then the baby will be born absolutely healthy!

Useful video about folic acid and pregnancy planning

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This article discusses folic acid during pregnancy. We tell you why it is needed, when and how to take the product, and the recommended dosage. You will learn reviews from pregnant women about the use of folic acid, whether it can be taken in the early stages, what contraindications exist, and how an overdose of pills manifests itself.

Folic acid (vitamin B9) is one of the most important vitamins for the human body. He participates in metabolic processes and formation of red blood cells, functioning gastrointestinal tract, has a beneficial effect on the nervous, cardiovascular and immune systems.

Appearance (photo) of folic acid

According to statistics, from 20 to 100 percent of the world's population are deficient in vitamin B9, and it is especially common in children and pregnant women. A deficiency of this substance may be asymptomatic. But over time it manifests itself with the following signs:

  • loss of appetite;
  • irritability;
  • fast fatiguability;
  • diarrhea;
  • vomit;
  • tendency to thrombosis;
  • depression;
  • decreased immunity;
  • memory impairment;
  • fainting;
  • dysfunction of the central nervous system;
  • formation of ulcers in the mouth;
  • hair loss.

Severe folic acid deficiency leads to the development of megaloblastic anemia, which in some cases is fatal.

Causes of vitamin B9 deficiency

The main reasons for the lack of folk in the body are:

  • insufficient intake of the vitamin into the body through food;
  • chronic ailments of the stomach and intestines, which lead to problems with vitamin absorption;
  • genetic disorders due to which the body lacks enzymes that affect the conversion and absorption of folate;
  • drinking alcoholic beverages.

Why do pregnant women need folic acid?

Vitamin B9 is necessary for every expectant mother. This is the only substance whose importance and usefulness is not denied even by the most ardent opponents of artificial vitamins.

All processes that occur with the participation of folic acid during the formation of the fetus, the formation of its organs, mental and physical health, occur in the early stages of pregnancy, when the woman does not yet know about her interesting position. On the 16th day after conception, the neural tube begins to form. This process is especially important, and vitamin B9 plays a huge role in it, so there should be enough of it in a woman’s body. It is recommended to take it during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. But it's best to take it.

If you find out about your interesting situation a little later, do not despair. The neural tube undergoes various changes during the entire first trimester, so the drug is in the recommended dose.

Lack of vitamin B9 during pregnancy is accompanied by:

  • the appearance of gestosis;
  • spontaneous abortions;
  • premature placental abruption;
  • intrauterine fetal death;
  • miscarriage.

The beneficial vitamin can be found not only in pharmaceutical drugs, but also food products, which we will discuss later.

Folic acid in food

Foods with folic acid

Vitamin B9 is found in the following foods:

  • wholemeal flour;
  • spinach;
  • parsley;
  • salad;
  • Brussels sprouts;
  • asparagus;
  • broccoli;
  • green pea;
  • citrus;
  • carrot;
  • yeast;
  • bananas;
  • cottage cheese;
  • liver;
  • eggs;
  • melon;
  • pumpkin;
  • beans;
  • fish;
  • meat.

If you are not deficient in folic acid, then in your case it is enough to take multivitamins for pregnant women prescribed by your gynecologist. In all other cases, try to consume more of the foods we described above - this will help avoid a lack of vitamin B9.

How to take folic acid during pregnancy

Vitamin B9 is produced in tablets in pure form, in combination with vitamin C or cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12). The dosage in the preparations is 400-1000 mcg.

Popular products containing folic acid:

  • Foliber;
  • Mamifol;
  • Ascofol.

Various vitamin complexes and biological supplements containing this vitamin. The tablets should be taken with or without food, with plenty of water and without chewing.

When to start drinking

Taking folic acid during the planning stage and early stages of pregnancy helps avoid various complications while carrying a child.

WHO recommends taking iron and vitamin B9 supplements to all pregnant women. Depending on the characteristics of the body and the presence of certain ailments, the gynecologist determines the required dosage of folic acid. According to studies, taking vitamin B9 in the first trimester reduces the risk of developing central nervous system defects in the fetus by 70 percent.

Until when should I take the drug?

Many pregnant women are concerned about the question of how much folic acid to drink. Experts recommend mandatory Take folic acid from the moment of conception until 12 weeks of pregnancy. After this period, you can stop taking the vitamin if there is no deficiency, and also provided that future mommy does not want to continue taking it in the second and third trimester.

The norm of vitamin B9 differs at the planning and pregnancy stages

Dosage

According to the instructions for use, the folic acid intake regimen looks like this:

  • when planning pregnancy, the recommended daily dosage is 400 mg of the drug;
  • the daily requirement of vitamin B9 in the first trimester is 600-800 mcg;
  • from the 13th week until birth you should drink 800 mcg of folic acid per day;
  • at breastfeeding the dose of the drug is 400-600 mcg.

In some cases, the dose of folic acid may be doubled. Namely:

In all other cases exact dosage a specialist will call.

The benefits of vitamin B9 for a child

Every human body in good condition intestinal microflora is capable of producing a certain amount of vitamin B9. But this volume is not able to cover the needs for folic acid, so it is important to additionally take vitamin complexes or products containing folic acid.

Vitamins B9 and B12 are needed for cell division, which is especially important for tissues that are actively dividing (during the formation and growth of the embryo). Vitamin B9 is important in hematopoiesis, important for the formation of nucleic acids (DNA and RNA), which are involved in the transmission of hereditary characteristics.

Folka plays a major role in the formation of the neural tube of the fetus. A lack of vitamin B9 leads to the development of serious defects in the fetus:

  • hydrocephalus;
  • anencephaly;
  • delayed physical and mental development;
  • congenital deformities;
  • cerebral hernias;
  • stillbirth;
  • disorders of the spinal column;
  • termination of pregnancy before the due date.

Therefore, it is important to take folic acid both at the planning stage of conception and during pregnancy to avoid unpleasant consequences.

Contraindications

You should refrain from taking folk in the following cases:

  • individual intolerance;
  • bronchial asthma;
  • lack of vitamin B12;
  • history of cancer in relatives;
  • chronic pyelonephritis;
  • pernicious anemia.

An excess of vitamin B9 is manifested by the following symptoms:

  • bitterness and metallic taste in the mouth;
  • problems falling asleep;
  • irritability and severe excitability;
  • loss of appetite;
  • nausea and vomiting;
  • stomach upset;
  • bloating;
  • lack of vitamin B12 and zinc in blood tests;
  • improper kidney function.

The likelihood of an overdose of folic acid during pregnancy is quite small, since it is a water-soluble component and is absorbed by the body only in the required amount. Its excess is partially deposited by the liver, the remaining excess is excreted from the body through the kidneys.

Usually, an overdose of the drug with its toxic effect on the body of the woman and the fetus is possible in the case of daily intake vitamin B9 over 15 mg (25-30 tablets), as well as in the presence of severe renal and hepatic disorders.

Important: In Norway it was carried out Scientific research, in which scientists have found that women with increased level With vitamin B9 in the blood, children with a tendency to asthmatic diseases were born 1.5 times more often. At the same time, scientists have not named the exact dosage at which an excess of folk occurs in the body.

As a rule, after taking folk side effects are not observed.

Useful information about vitamin B9

Below we will tell you about some secrets regarding folic acid:

  • The elimination of folk from the body during pregnancy accelerates.
  • Strong tea promotes rapid removal of the substance from the body.
  • As with any medication, you can be allergic to folic acid.
  • Vitamin B9 deficiency is transmitted from mother to fetus or newborn as a result of insufficient content folic acid during pregnancy in the body of the expectant mother or lack of vitamin B9 in breast milk.
  • Most of the folk is contained in raw vegetables or steamed.
  • Need in useful component Some medications increase it: antacids (Almagel), estrogens, anticonvulsants (Phenytoin) and zinc preparations.
  • Vitamin B9 is used to “repair” and replace approximately 70 trillion mother cells due to their constant renewal.

Folic acid is beneficial to drink throughout pregnancy

Price

The cost of drugs containing folic acid is low. average price ranges from 30 to 150 rubles per package. You can also find products with vitamin B9 in the pharmacy, the cost of which exceeds 600 rubles, for example, Solgar “Folic Acid”. The price of such a drug is 642 rubles for 100 tablets and 1,400 rubles for 250 tablets.

Any woman planning a pregnancy is obliged to worry in advance about the health of her own and the future baby. For example, drinking folic acid during pregnancy, as vitamin preparation, helping to reduce the possibility of developing pathologies in the fetus.

Benefits of the drug

Vitamin B9 or folate is found in many foods, such as yeast, liver, cottage cheese, green vegetables, cereals, and some fruits. But, in order to get the daily requirement, it is necessary to consume all of them in very large quantities and raw or undercooked, since heat treatment practically destroys the vitamin.

Why take folic acid during pregnancy? At the very beginning of pregnancy, in the first twelve weeks, folate is prescribed. Starting from the second week, the neural tube is formed in the embryo, and acid is needed for its normal formation. The vitamin is required for the formation of red blood cells and reducing the risk of developing pathologies in the fetus.

Vitamin B9 is needed to the expectant mother to prevent the occurrence of anemia, leg pain, toxicosis. Taking it in the first trimester minimizes the risk of developing abnormalities of the nervous system by almost 70%.

At the time of cell division, with the help of folates, the structure of DNA and RNA molecules is formed and develops without mutations or damage. Acid is involved in the development of organs and tissues of the fetus, reduces the possibility of delays in the child’s mental development and physical defects.

When telling women at the consultation why folic acid is prescribed, doctors advise starting to drink it at the planning stage, at least 90 days before pregnancy.

Dosage and rules of administration

Folic acid intake for ordinary person per day - at least 50 mcg. But, when carrying a child, the need for it increases repeatedly, and for expectant mothers, the norm is 400 mcg. The vitamin is available in the form of tablets or capsules.

In what dosage should pregnant women take folic acid? Many women are interested in how much folic acid a pregnant woman should drink per day. The norm is determined by the attending physician. Taken as an independent drug or as part of a multivitamin. Doctors recommend taking one tablet a day containing from 400 mcg to 1000 mcg. It is recommended that pregnant women take this dose of folic acid without fear of overdose. If a woman takes any prenatal vitamins and is not deficient in vitamin B9, then a separate supplement of folate is not necessary.

If there is a pronounced deficiency of the vitamin in the body, or if there have been cases of babies being born with neural tube pathology, the doctor increases daily dose folic acid, sometimes up to 4 mg, which is four tablets that you need to drink one or more times during the day. Tablets are taken at the same time, before meals or with meals. In addition to medications, you can also consume foods containing folates.

How much folic acid should you take during pregnancy? Most important period, in which you cannot do without vitamin B9 - the first trimester. The entire pregnancy depends on how the fetus develops at this time. Starting from the second trimester, the required amount of acid enters the sufficient quantity with taking multivitamins.

Folate deficiency

Lack of vitamins during pregnancy can lead to sad consequences not only for the fetus, but also for the mother. If there is a lack of the drug, the process of formation of the placenta and its nutrition is disrupted, which provokes early termination of pregnancy or the birth of a premature baby. Causes abnormalities in the development of the baby, the occurrence mental disorders in newborns.

Deficiency also affects women's well-being. Especially, the need for vitamin B9 arises when its absorption by the body is impaired, or when there is an increased need for it, for example, during breastfeeding.

Symptoms indicating a lack of acid are:

  • chronic fatigue;
  • decreased appetite;
  • decreased immunity;
  • irritability;
  • insomnia.

A lack of folate also occurs when a pregnant woman has severe toxicosis, accompanied by vomiting, which interferes with the absorption of the drug. In order to determine the presence or absence of vitamin deficiency, a blood test is prescribed to determine its concentration. Based on the results obtained, the attending physician will prescribe the optimal dose that should be taken until delivery. A lack of the drug can also complicate pregnancy.

Side effects and overdose

Despite the fact that folates dissolve in water and their excess is eliminated from the body, in some cases, with prolonged and uncontrolled use, an overdose is possible. Its symptoms include a bitter or metallic taste in the mouth, gastrointestinal imbalance, sleep disturbances, and kidney failure. Rarely, an allergic reaction occurs.