Folic acid, also known as vitamin B9, is important for both men and women. But it is crucial for women who are expecting. This is because folic acid does magical functions for the development of a growing fetus as well as maintaining a healthy pregnancy.

But most women are confused about when to start taking folic acid, either after conceiving or before planning to conceive. If the answer is after conceiving, then in which trimester?

This article will help you know when to start taking folic acid supplements for a healthy pregnancy and normal growth & development of the fetus.

Reasons that Women of Reproductive Age Should Take Folic Acid

The CDC (Centre for Disease Control) encourages all women of reproductive age to take 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid each day, in addition to consuming foods rich in folate, to help prevent some major birth defects of the fetus’s brain, such as spina bifida and anencephaly.

Folic Acid Benefits:

• Helps promote healthy cell division
• Helps promote healthy growth and development of the fetus
• Helps prevent birth defects (spina bifida & anencephaly)
• Helps maintain a healthy pregnancy 
• Helps reduce the risk of megaloblastic anemia (red blood cells are larger than normal size)

What Is the Best Time to Take Folic Acid for Women of Reproductive Age?

According to the CDC, all women should develop the habit of taking folic acid daily, even if they do not intend to become pregnant. Because the risk of brain and spine birth defects is higher in the first few weeks of pregnancy, often before a woman realizes she is pregnant. Therefore, women should take folic acid every day before becoming pregnant to benefit from it.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Folic Acid Deficiency?

You may suffer from the following symptoms:

• Persistent fatigue
• Mood swings
• Irritable behavior
• Pale skin
• Mouth sores 
• Tongue swelling 

Which Folic Acid Supplement is the Best to Take?

Nutrifactor's Folic Acid is the best folic acid tablet, which contains the recommended amount of vitamin B9 in a single serving to help fulfill your folic acid requirement.

It promotes normal red blood cell formation and healthy fetal growth. Moreover, it also helps reduce the risk of neural tube defects in babies.

Regarding the benefits for mothers, folic acid promotes healthy maternal tissue growth by lowering the risk of miscarriage. In addition, it also helps maintain a healthy immune system.

The benefits of folic acid don't stop here; it helps lower the risk of anemia during pregnancy or menstruation. Moreover, folic acid helps lower homocysteine levels in the blood, thereby supporting heart health.

Conclusion:

Consuming folic acid supplements at the right time in the right amount will help reduce the risk of newborn birth defects. In addition, it will help promote normal blood cell formation and healthy fetal growth.

References:

• https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/folicacid/about.html
• https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/folicacid/features/folic-acid.html
• https://www.webmd.com/diet/supplement-guide-folic-acid
• https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/folate-deficiency-anemia