Is it necessary to supplement folic acid during pregnancy?

Folic acid is an important vitamin for pregnant women. Folic acid deficiency will cause megaloblastic anemia in pregnant mothers and affect the development of the fetus. Moreover, it has been scientifically proven that early pregnancy is a critical period for folic acid supplementation, which can prevent neural tube defects in the fetus. However, many pregnant mothers do not know that they are deficient in folic acid at this stage, nor do they know that they are pregnant, which may cause them to miss the critical period for folic acid supplementation.

Folic acid is an important vitamin for pregnant women. Folic acid deficiency will cause megaloblastic anemia in pregnant mothers and affect the development of the fetus.

Moreover, it has been scientifically proven that early pregnancy is a critical period for folic acid supplementation, which can prevent neural tube defects in the fetus. However, many pregnant mothers do not know that they are deficient in folic acid at this stage, nor do they know that they are pregnant, which may cause them to miss the critical period for folic acid supplementation.

Generally speaking, pregnant mothers should start taking folic acid 3-4 months before conception. Take 0.4 mg of folic acid every day. You can also eat more foods rich in folic acid in your daily life, including asparagus, pears, bananas, beans, broccoli, egg yolks, liver, spinach, strawberries, yogurt, etc.

Do expectant fathers also need folic acid supplements?

Some people think that it is enough for pregnant mothers to supplement folic acid. In fact, it is also good for the baby if the expectant father supplements some folic acid. Folic acid deficiency can easily lead to a decrease in sperm quantity and quality, so expectant fathers should also pay attention to folic acid supplementation, proper nutrition, eat more vegetables and fruits, and avoid drinking strong coffee and strong tea.

It is best for expectant fathers to supplement 0.4 mg of folic acid daily with the pregnant mother in the three months before pregnancy, so that the folic acid in the body can gradually accumulate to a certain amount to improve sperm quality.

It needs to be pointed out that everything has a limit. Is it better for pregnant women to take more folic acid supplements? Not really. Long-term excessive intake will interfere with the zinc metabolism of pregnant women. Zinc deficiency will also affect fetal development. Folic acid can counteract the effects of anti-epileptic drugs and increase the number of seizures in sensitive children, so it is not suitable to be used together.