Prenatal Health - Folic Acid (an Overview)

FOLIC ACID – AN OVERVIEW

Folic Acid, also know as Vitamin B9, assists in preventing certain birth defects of the spinal cord and brain known as neural tube defects (NTDs). Without a sufficient amount of Folic Acid the cells that form the baby’s brain and spine become deficient resulting in spina bifida (open spine) or anencephaly (undeveloped brain). There are over 4,000 births defects annually as a direct result of insufficient Folic Acid in the Mother’s body. Folic Acid should be taken prior to conception since these births defects begin in the first month of pregnancy. Folic Acid also helps prevent other birth defects such as cleft palate, low birth weight and helps in the production of additional red blood cells needed to support the growth of the fetus. Other studies have show that Folic Acid helps in the prevention of heart disease, stroke and anemia. The Center for Disease Control recommends - continued below ...