Folic acid is an important nutrient for the body, including when you and your partner are planning to have a baby. Folic acid for pregnancy programs can not only increase fertility, but also support fetal growth and development. Come on, know other benefits of folic acid for pregnant programs.
The body needs folic acid to produce DNA. Not only that, folic acid also plays a role in the formation and development of the brain and nerves of the fetus in the womb. That is why folic acid has an important role for the health of pregnant women and fetuses.
Besides being useful for pregnant women, folic acid is also important for couples who are planning to start a pregnancy program.
Great Benefits of Folic Acid for Pregnant Programs
The following are some of the benefits of folic acid for pregnant programs:
1. Increase fertility
Folic acid is useful for increasing the fertility of women and men. In women, folic acid is known to maintain the health and function of the ovaries (ovarian), support the process of fertilization and the formation of the fetus, and maintain the health of the womb.
For men, the content of antioxidants and nutrients, such as folic acid, protein, and zinc (zinc), is known to increase the number and quality of sperm, thereby increasing the chances of conception and pregnancy.
2. Helping the growth of the fetus
To be able to grow and develop properly, the fetus needs good nutrition. One of the important nutrients to support fetal growth and development is folic acid.
Folic acid can support the process of forming fetal tissues and organs, and reduce the risk of babies being born with low birth weight or defects.
3. Reduce the risk of preeclampsia
Preeclampsia is one of the most common pregnancy complications. This condition can make pregnant women experience high blood pressure, swelling, and increased amounts of protein in the urine. If not treated immediately, this condition is at risk of endangering the condition of pregnant women and fetuses.
Until now, the cause of preeclampsia is not known with certainty. However, some research shows that nutritional deficiencies, including folic acid, are one of the factors that can increase the risk of pregnant women experiencing preeclampsia.
Therefore, it is important for pregnant women or women who are planning to start a pregnancy program to have sufficient folic acid intake to prevent this disease.
4. Reduce the risk of miscarriage and premature birth
Pregnant women who have a healthy womb are at a lower risk of miscarriage and premature delivery. To get a healthy content, pregnant women need to have adequate nutritional intake during pregnancy, including folic acid.
This nutritional intake can even be fulfilled since starting the pregnancy program so that later the nutritional intake of the pregnant woman's body will be more fulfilled when pregnant.
5. Prevent babies from being born with defects
Folic acid is known to play an important role in fetal development and reduces the risk of fetal defects.
Various studies have proven that pregnant women whose folic acid intake is met have a lower risk of giving birth to babies with birth defects, such as spina bifida (neural tube defects), cleft lip, and congenital heart disease.
The Need for Prenatal Vitamins and Folic Acid for Pregnant Programs
The need for folic acid for women who are undergoing a pregnancy program is 400 micrograms (mcg) per day. These intakes need to be consumed at least a month before starting a pregnancy program. Folic acid can be obtained from foods containing folic acid or supplements.
Not only folic acid, other nutrients including omega-3 as well as vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, selenium, zinc, calcium, and iron are also good consumed to increase fertility and prepare the body for pregnancy.
Choice of Food Sources of Folic Acid
In addition to vitamin supplements, you can also consume several types of food to meet the needs of folic acid, namely:
- Leafy greens, such as spinach, broccoli, collard greens, asparagus, and Brussels sprouts
- Fruits, such as oranges, avocados, papayas, and bananas
- Legumes, such as kidney beans, green beans, peas, peanuts, and soybeans
- Grains, such as oats and cereals
- Seafood
- Egg
- Beef liver
- Milk
Folic acid can be obtained from some of the food choices above and also pregnancy supplements. To get enough folic acid when starting a pregnancy program, you can consult a doctor. If needed, the doctor will prescribe pregnancy supplements to meet your folic acid intake.