More Reasons to Take Folic Acid During Pregnancy

By JustMommies

Most women know that folic acid is important for the prevention of neural tube defects like Spina Bifida, but the Associated Press reports that folic acid offers more protection than researchers originally though.

According to two new research studies, folic acid may also prevent premature birth as well as heart defects. Researchers in Texas followed 35,000 pregnant women and found that the women who took folic acid supplements for a year or longer before getting pregnant were 50% less likely to have a premature baby.

Folic acid (vitamin B9) and folate (the naturally occurring form of vitamin B9) serves an important function in cell division and growth. A diet rich in leafy green vegetables, citrus and dried beans can provide pregnant women with some of the folate they need for a healthy pregnancy.

Since folate is a water soluble vitamin, the body isn’t able to store it for future needs. This is why pregnancy experts as well as the CDC recommend that pregnant women and women of child-bearing age take a daily folic acid supplement or multi-vitamin containing 400 mcgs of folic acid.

With the new research, some pregnancy specialists think it might be time for the government to increase the amount of folic acid added to cereals and other foods to help protect babies and moms-to-be. There are some concerns about doing this though. While extra folic acid may be beneficial for women, extra high levels of folic acid has potential cancer risks for older adults. Get more details here.

0
No votes yet
 

0 comments

Most recent

Sign in to leave a comment!

Today on JustMommies

Parenting Is Not About Kids, It’s About Parents

The greatest thing you can do for your kids is learn to focus on yourself. That statement might not make complete sense right now.

Pregnancy Exercise - 5 Things You Must Know

While reading through some questions that my subscribers sent in, I noticed that a lot of women have some basic questions about pregnancy exercise.

Getting Pregnant after Birth Control

Here are answers to the most frequently asked questions about getting pregnant after birth control.

When Should My Baby Start Talking?

It is hard to say for sure when to expect your baby to say his first words, but most babies will be able to say 3 to 5 words by the time they are about a year old.

Article Tools

Print this article

Email this article

RSS

Bookmark and Share

From the Message Boards

Siggy Makers' Lounge

siggies for friends

I just got one of my best friends to join JM and she doesn't have 50 posts yet, am I allowed to make...

Moms of Boys

Name Change & MIA

Just an FYI, I changed my screenname from blundoboys to Daisyfields. Also, I'll continue to be MIA...

Thirtysomething Mommies

Surgery date is set

Pre-op is on the 18th, surgery is on the 23rd. T&P's are much appreciated. I'll be MIA for a while b...

Siggy Makers' Lounge

Anyone fancy doing some layouts for me?

Hi ladies, I have a new kit out and was wondering if anyone fancied doing a layout or 2 for me? Here...

Siggy Makers' Lounge

Have ya'll heard the good news???

Divine Digital is back!!!...

» Check out the friendliest message board for moms and moms-to-be!