How long should I take folic acid during early pregnancy?

There are many women who are preparing to conceive or have just become pregnant. They must have heard about folic acid. Folic acid seems to have many effects on women, mainly preventing fetal malformations. But now there is a big problem that many mothers don’t know. When should folic acid be supplemented? And how long should folic acid be taken? Now we will analyze it in detail for you.

Folic acid supplementation should continue throughout the entire pregnancy. If you did not take folic acid supplements before pregnancy, there is no need to worry too much. Starting folic acid supplementation from the time you discover you are pregnant can still help reduce the risk of fetal developmental abnormalities. The first three months of pregnancy are the critical period for the development of the fetal neural tube. If pregnant mothers supplement with sufficient folic acid, it can significantly reduce neural tube defects and greatly reduce the incidence of anencephaly and congenital spina bifida. Pregnant women who have the conditions can take it throughout the pregnancy and lactation period to benefit the health of the mother and the growth and development of the fetus and newborn.

Many pregnant mothers know that they need to supplement folic acid before pregnancy, but they don’t know when to start taking folic acid, how much to take, and they don’t know much about the precautions of taking folic acid. Folic acid supplementation needs to start 3 months before pregnancy. Generally, folic acid tablets are taken to supplement folic acid. Only one tablet is needed a day. Do not take an overdose. When supplementing folic acid, do not take it together with vitamin C.

There are currently two folic acid formulations on the market, one containing 5 mg per tablet and the other containing 0.4 mg per tablet. Pregnant women should take a small dose, one tablet a day is enough. Excessive intake of folic acid not only fails to prevent fetal malformations, but may also mask the symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency.

Pregnant mothers must pay attention to rest, especially in the first three months of pregnancy. Do not take excessive folic acid supplements and pay attention to a balanced diet. Do not do strenuous exercise or have sexual intercourse. Do not have sexual intercourse in the last three months of pregnancy, otherwise it is very likely to cause premature birth or miscarriage.