Can I still take folic acid after pregnancy?

Many couples who are preparing for pregnancy will supplement with rich folic acid when preparing for pregnancy, because folic acid plays a very important role in the growth and development of children, and it is very helpful for the baby's brain development. However, sometimes due to unexpected pregnancy, women did not take folic acid before pregnancy. At this time, if they want to supplement folic acid after pregnancy, will it have the same effect as taking folic acid before pregnancy?

Is it still useful to take folic acid if you are already pregnant?

1. I didn’t take folic acid before pregnancy, but I found that it is still useful after I get pregnant!

2. Folic acid plays an important role in cell division and growth, and the synthesis of nucleic acids, amino acids, and proteins. It is an indispensable nutrient for the growth and development of the fetus. The first three months of pregnancy are a critical period for fetal neural development. If the expectant mother lacks folic acid at this time, it can easily lead to fetal neural tube defects and increase the incidence of spina bifida and anencephaly.

3. Therefore, it is recommended to take folic acid tablets starting 3 months before pregnancy and continuing until 3 months after pregnancy. Given that there are many cases of unexpected pregnancy, couples of childbearing age should take folic acid tablets regardless of whether they are planning pregnancy or not.

How to take folic acid correctly when you are pregnant

1. The total amount of folic acid in the human body is 5 to 6 mg, but the human body cannot synthesize folic acid and can only be obtained from food and digested and absorbed. But what expectant mothers should remember is that they must take folic acid tablets under the guidance of a doctor and not buy them blindly on their own. Because the more folic acid you take, the better. Excessive intake of folic acid may increase the risk of some progressive, unknown neurological damage. Clinical data show that the upper limit of folic acid intake that expectant mothers can tolerate is 1,000 micrograms. Generally, supplementing 400 to 800 micrograms of folic acid per day can meet the growth needs of the fetus and their own needs.

2. Foods rich in folic acid include: vegetables include lettuce, spinach, tomato, carrot, greens, asparagus, cauliflower, rapeseed, Chinese cabbage, lentils, bean pods, mushrooms, etc.; fresh fruits include oranges, strawberries, cherries, bananas, lemons, peaches, plums, apricots, bayberries, crabapples, jujubes, hawthorns, pomegranates, grapes, kiwis, pears, etc.; animal foods include animal livers, kidneys, poultry meat and eggs, such as pork liver, chicken, beef, mutton, etc.;

With the popularization of medical knowledge, many pregnant mothers already know that they need to take folic acid during pregnancy to prevent some related diseases for themselves and their babies. In any case, folic acid has its advantages and disadvantages. You need to take it under the guidance of a doctor before taking it. Don't think that eating more will make you better. Only correct consumption can achieve the best effect.