Surely few can boast thattogether with the food they eat, in addition to proteins, carbohydrates and fats, they receive a sufficient amount of vitamins and minerals. Their deficiency often causes malaise, illness, nervousness, and increased fatigue. Therefore, the supply of substances useful for the body must be constantly replenished. You should especially think about your health when planning a pregnancy, since there are some vitamins without which the full development of the fetus in the mother's womb is impossible. These include folic acid, or vitamin B9. Moreover, it will be better if folic acid is contained in the body in the right amount when planning a pregnancy.

When do I start taking folic acid?

Typically, doctors prescribe vitamin B9 whena woman is determined to be pregnant. However, after 2-3 weeks, after the sperm fertilizes the egg and the embryo is formed, the formation of all the internal organs of the child begins, primarily the heart. If the body of the expectant mother does not have enough folic acid, this can lead to various complications during pregnancy and the appearance of congenital defects in the baby. And a sufficient amount of this element reduces the risk of congenital diseases. This is the primary reason to start taking folic acid even when planning a pregnancy. In addition, during pregnancy, the number of functions performed by vitamin B9 increases. This element is involved in the following processes:

• DNA synthesis
• placenta formation
• fetal neural tube formation, blood cells
• strengthening of immunity
• metabolism.

Low levels of folic acid during pregnancy can have serious consequences. A woman with a severe deficiency of this vitamin may experience the following symptoms:

• anemia
• fainting
• pallor of the skin
• irritability
• loss of appetite
• severe hair loss
• diarrhea
• stomatitis
• weak immunity.

It is extremely important to replenish the acid content in time.is necessary, since not only the pregnant woman suffers, but also the child. Folic acid deficiency can cause placental abruption, miscarriage or frozen pregnancy. As for the health of the baby, these can be disorders of the nervous system and brain, diseases of the spine. Folic acid plays an important role not only for a woman preparing to become a mother, but also for the future father. It increases the motor activity of male germ cells, accordingly, the chances of fertilization of the egg increase. Take the necessary tests, undergo an examination by a doctor 3 months before the planned conception. Low levels of vitamin B9 in the body can be provoked by taking hormonal drugs, diseases of the stomach and intestinal tract, abuse of alcoholic beverages. Thus, planning a pregnancy is the time when it is necessary to start taking folic acid. But a doctor's consultation is mandatory in any case.

Daily norm and products

When planning your meals, you need totake into account that there is a norm of vitamin B9, which the body of a pregnant woman needs daily. According to various sources, it is 400-600 mcg. During the 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy, the gynecologist often prescribes a whole vitamin complex, which already contains the daily norm of folic acid. And at the planning stage, you should adhere to a special diet, eating foods with a high content of this vitamin. Eat vegetables and green leafy crops fresh, since during heat treatment, the acid molecules are destroyed and the usefulness of the products is lost. Of the fruits, apricots, avocados, melons, and citrus fruits are rich in folic acid. In addition, during pregnancy, include in your diet the products listed in the table. Foods Rich in Folic Acid Vitamin B content (in mg per 100 g of product) Beef liver 240 Pork liver 225 Soy 200 Cod liver 110 Parsley 110 Beans 90 Spinach 80 Cabbage lettuce 48 Rye bread 40 Green beans 36 Buckwheat 32 Dill 27 Celery 21 Peas 16 Green onions 14 There is an opinion that a lack of vitamins is better than their excess. Indeed, if you exceed the recommended dose of vitamin B9, then folate crystals accumulate. Intoxication of the body can lead to side effects:

• vomiting
• bloating
• flatulence
• nausea
• diarrhea
• sleep disturbance
• convulsions.

You can balance your diet yourself, but medication can only be prescribed by a doctor. Self-medication is unacceptable!

Contraindications to taking folic acid

Speaking about the need for vitamin B9 forof the body before pregnancy and during this period, it is impossible not to say that there are diseases in which taking folic acid is prohibited. Such contraindications include:

• allergic reactions
• bronchial asthma
• oncological diseases
• renal insufficiency
• pyelonephritis
• Vitamin B12 deficiency.

If you have consciously come to the conclusion that you wanthave children, be twice as attentive to your health. Treatment with any medications should be prescribed by a doctor based on the results of laboratory tests. A specialist will determine whether diet alone is enough or whether you need to take folic acid in the form of medications.

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