First trimester folate dose. Folic acid for pregnant women: why you need it, dosages

Folic acid or vitamin B9 is always prescribed during pregnancy and for people diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia. This trace element is involved in various processes in the body, especially during development.

The folate compound belongs to the group of B vitamins and is found in many foods: rice, beans, etc. It is essential for the proper functioning of the circulatory and immune systems.

Vitamin B9, when ingested, is converted into tetrahydrofolate. This enzyme takes part in various biochemical processes. Against this background, the necessary amino acids and nucleotides are produced.

This trace element affects reproductive function. It also has a cytostatic effect - it slows down pathological cell division. In addition, vitamin B9 affects the functioning of the digestive system.

This compound is involved in DNA replication.

Folic acid normalizes the functions of the digestive tract.In the first trimester of pregnancy, from the moment the neural tube develops, vitamin B9 is essential. It is essential for the growth and proper functioning of the placenta. It is recommended to use the vitamin for hypovitaminosis, anemia.

Appointment and deficiency of vitamin B9 in a pregnant woman

If a couple is planning a child, then you should definitely consult a gynecologist. The doctor will recommend the use of vitamin B9 for prophylactic purposes. He prescribes in the first trimester. Production folic acid in the body is not produced. Replenishment of stocks occurs through food or using vitamin and mineral complexes.

Taking vitamin B9 during pregnancy significantly reduces the likelihood of developing diseases of the central nervous system. Therefore, taking a vitamin is very important both when planning and when carrying a fetus, in order to avoid possible complications in the child.

Most pregnant women are often diagnosed. Folic acid is also used to treat this condition. Lack of vitamin A can cause miscarriage or premature birth.Folic acid is believed to help a woman get pregnant. The use of vitamin B9 when planning a child allows you to avoid many risks during gestation, as well as various congenital pathologies.

Deficiency of vitamin B9 can lead to disturbances in the formation of the neural tube, as well as provoke the development of various defects.

This will cause the development of a cleft lip, cerebral hernia, cleft palate, spina bifida, etc.The fetal neural tube is subsequently the baby's nervous system. If in the body future mother the amount of folic acid comes in insufficient quantities, then in the future this can lead to developmental delays, deformities, etc.Neural tube pathologies can occur for various reasons, so this vitamin deficiency is not the root cause.

Daily allowance for pregnant women

It is rather difficult to calculate the amount of vitamin that enters the body with food. Normally, the daily dose is 400 mcg, provided that there is no micronutrient deficiency.If there is a lack, the dosage is increased to 500 mcg. This is all decided by the doctor, based on the results of the analysis.

Acid requirements increase during pregnancy. When planning a baby, it is necessary to consume vitamin B9 for a certain time so that it accumulates in the body in the right amount. Gynecologists recommend using vitamin complexes with vitamin B9 six months before the expected conception.

It should be remembered that in many preparations for pregnant women the folic compound is already present, so you do not need to take additional vitamin B9. Such drugs are: Pregnavit, Materna, Vitrum Prental, etc.

The main preparations containing folic acid:

• Folio
• Folacin
• Apopholic

If a woman who has given birth has already recorded a case of a congenital anomaly in a child, then the dosage is increased per day to 2 g.

Useful video - What foods contain folic acid.

Vitamin B9 is one of the most essential vitamins for the body. The second name of this vitamin is folic acid. This element is important for children and adults, but folic acid is of particular importance during pregnancy.

What is folic acid for?

Folic acid during pregnancy not only contributes to the formation of the placenta, but also participates in the processes of cell division, which allows the baby to develop dynamically. Folic acid is also required for the formation of white blood cells, platelets and red blood cells, the formation of RNA and DNA. Also, experts say that vitamin B9 is important in the formation of the fetal neural tube. A lack of this vitamin in the body can cause defects in the development of the fetus, negatively affect the mental development of the baby, cause malnutrition and other congenital diseases.

Women who used folic acid before pregnancy and continue to do so throughout the entire period of bearing a baby are less susceptible to toxicosis, depression and anemia.

Spectrum of action of folic acid

Vitamin B9, entering the body, is converted into tetrahydrofolate, which serves as a constituent element of enzymes and participates in many biochemical reactions. In addition, folic acid makes it possible to work properly reproductive system men and women. Folic acid is also involved in the process of DNA division and the synthesis of RNA, amino acids and iron absorption.

Folic acid plays a very important role in the metabolism of neurotransmitters (adrenaline and serotonin), which are needed for the normal functioning of the nervous system. This is a vitamin for Have a good mood and tranquility.

With correct and regular intake of folic acid, metabolic processes and the functioning of the digestive system are improved. Folic acid can also help eliminate toxins and facilitate protein absorption.

A lot important fact that folic acid has maximum benefits on the body only when combined with vitamin B12. Vitamin has positive impact on the skin, hair and activates tissue regeneration. This is especially important during pregnancy to maintain the beauty of the expectant mother.

Special indications for use

Often doctors prescribe to drink folic acid during pregnancy for those women who:

• have a vitamin deficiency and its lack is confirmed by the conducted analyzes;
• if a woman's previous pregnancy ended in miscarriage;
• with a genetic predisposition to malformations of the child.

In such cases, the doctor prescribes the maximum daily dose of the drug in conjunction with other drugs.

Symptoms and Causes of Folate Deficiency

The first signs of a lack of folic acid are disturbances in the psycho-emotional state. First of all, we are talking about mood swings, irritability, apathy, depression. Further, insomnia, skin rashes, loss of strength, problems with memory and concentration may occur. To feel such negative consequences a pregnant woman will need less than a month.

Some of the causes of folate deficiency include:

1. unbalanced diet;
2. bad habits;
3. bowel disease;
4. taking antibiotics;
5. taking hormonal drugs and medicines from epilepsy.

Folic acid dosage during pregnancy

During pregnancy, the rate of folic acid intake increases, as the consumption goes already for two. For the full development of fetal tissues, the formation of the placenta and the excellent well-being of the expectant mother herself, from 600 to 800 μg of vitamin B9 is needed. The exact dose for each patient is determined by a personal gynecologist. Consumption of the recommended amount of folic acid is a necessity, and with an excess of vitamin, all excess is excreted from the body along with urine. By the way, women who do not have a deficiency can take as little as 100 mcg of folic acid, and this is quite enough for the excellent well-being of the expectant mother and her baby.

It is worth noting that folic acid during pregnancy is not a guarantee of the normal development of the fetus, since in most cases a woman finds out about her condition at 4-5 weeks of pregnancy, that is, when the embryo has already begun its development and its nervous system is also gradually forming. That is why obstetricians-gynecologists strongly recommend planning pregnancy and thorough preparation for subsequent conception.

How much folic acid to drink during pregnancy?

The first weeks after conception are very important for the development of the embryo. He undergoes the initial formation of tissues, organs and life support systems. Therefore, taking folic acid during this period is especially necessary to provide the body with a sufficient amount of vitamin B9.

The second and third trimesters pass with the intensive growth and improvement of a small organism, because of this, taking folic acid during these months is also relevant. Folic acid during pregnancy ensures the correct reproduction of fetal cells, healthy and normal formation of both the nervous and cardiovascular systems.

After giving birth, while breastfeeding the baby, folic acid is necessary to replenish the mother's body and provide the baby with vitamin B9.

Taking folic acid is very important both when planning a pregnancy and throughout pregnancy and lactation.

Folic acid overdose in pregnancy

Cases of folic acid overdose during pregnancy have not been identified in medical practice. This can happen when a woman takes more than 20-30 tablets at a time.

What foods contain folic acid

You can get a certain amount of folic acid through food, medications, or naturally - through synthesis in the intestines.

If everything is clear with the synthesis in the body and with the intake of vitamins, too, then at the expense of food, not everything is so simple. After all, there are certain groups of foods that contain folic acid in certain quantities. Vitamin B9 contains the following foods:

• parsley (during pregnancy, it can provoke a miscarriage);
• green leafy salad;
• leaves of wild rose, currant, raspberry, linden and birch;
• cabbage;
• mint, plantain, nettle;
• beet;
• legumes (beans, peas);
• cucumbers;
• pumpkin;
• carrot;
• cereals;
• bananas, oranges;
• apricots;
• meat (pork, lamb, beef, chicken);
• by-products, for example, liver;
• tuna and salmon;
• eggs;
• dairy and fermented milk products (milk, cottage cheese, cheese);
• nutritional yeast.

Folic acid (folacin) is a water-soluble B vitamin. Usually, folacin is produced in the body in the intestinal tract, so the main source of it is the natural microflora.

Folic acid deficiency is the most common cause of vitamin deficiency in pregnant women. During pregnancy, women have a significant increase in the need for vitamin B9.

The daily diet of an adult should contain foods that provide the body with a set of vitamins. Among the foods rich in high vitamin B9 content are:

• dark green vegetables (asparagus, parsley, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, spinach leaves, etc.);
• legumes (soybeans, green peas, lentils);
• some berries (watermelon) and fruits (oranges, peaches);
• eggs (yolk);
• beef liver;
• walnuts, sunflower seeds;
• rice, oat and buckwheat groats;
• cottage cheese, kefir, cheese, milk powder;
• Wheat germ (sprouted), whole grain products, and wholemeal baked goods.

However, even a balanced diet of a pregnant woman is not able to fill the increasing daily requirement for vitamin B9, therefore, it becomes necessary to compensate for the lack of folic acid by taking additional pharmaceuticals.

According to medical statistics, folic acid deficiency is observed in almost every pregnant woman. Folacin is involved in important processes in the structure of DNA and RNA of newly formed fetal cells. The 3rd and 4th weeks are especially critical in this regard. embryonic development fetus, therefore, a lack of vitamin B9 provokes a serious delay in its development:

• the formation of pathologies of the nervous system (hydrocephalus, absence of the brain, various cerebral hernias, defects of the spine, etc.);
• developmental disorders of cardio-vascular system;
• congenital deformities (the appearance of a "cleft" lip);
• pathological formation of the placenta with the threat of its detachment, in the future (miscarriages, premature birth).

The lack of folic acid also affects the pregnant woman's body.

Deficiency of vitamin B9 is accompanied by severe toxicosis, the occurrence of depressive conditions in a woman, and anemia develops.

The most common folic acid supplements are folic acid tablets. 1 tablet contains 1000 mcg (1 mg) of folic acid. When taking 1 tablet per day, overdose is impossible.

With a pronounced deficiency of folacin (folic acid) in the body of a pregnant woman, doctors recommend taking a stronger drug. This is "Folacin" or "Apo-folic", the tablets of which contain up to 5000 μg (5 mg) of folic acid, which already indicates the intake of corrective therapeutic doses.

As part of complex vitamin preparations, "pregnant" vitamin is also contained in the required amount. For example, the composition of the drug "Folio" contains up to 400 mcg of folic acid, and in the preparations "Elevit Pronatal" and "Materna" - up to 1000 mcg. Further, "Vitrum Prenatal Forte" - a dose of 800 mcg of folic acid, "Multi-tabs" - up to 400 mcg, and "Pregnavit" - up to 750 mcg of vitamin B9.

Taking any of the above drugs eliminates the need for additional "care" about the level of folate in the body. As an additional measure, the attending physician may prescribe a biochemical analysis for the content of folic acid in the blood, which will help establish the body's real need for this vitamin.

The only contraindication to taking vitamin B9 is individual intolerance to the constituent components of the drug.

Despite the fact that folic acid is completely non-toxic to humans, there is also a danger of overdose with prolonged use of B9-vitamin-containing preparations.

Hypervitaminosis (excess) of folic acid contributes to a significant decrease in the content of another vitamin in the blood - B12, which leads to:

• the development of anemia;
• increased nervous excitability;
• the occurrence of changes in the gastrointestinal tract, disorders of the digestive function;
• functional changes in the excretory system - impaired renal function.

The above symptoms are typical for women who take 10-15 mg of folic acid per day for 3 months. With the termination of the intake of synthetic folic acid, the condition will return to normal, since the body itself is able to cope with the excess content of folacin.

To prevent an overdose of vitamin preparations containing folic acid, one should not self-medicate. It is necessary to obtain qualified advice from a specialist and strictly adhere to his clear recommendations.

Average daily rate intake of vitamin B9 is not less than 200 mcg "food folate equivalent" (0.2 mg). However, this dosage is clearly not enough for women planning or already carrying a pregnancy.

During pregnancy, the need for folic acid in women increases significantly - up to 400 μg (0.4 mg). If a pregnant woman is listed in a risk group, as evidenced by an obvious, laboratory-proven vitamin B9 deficiency, then the daily dose increases from 800 μg (0.8 mg) to 5 mg of folacin.

To mitigate the effect of these factors, the pregnant woman is prescribed folic acid preparations. Only 1 mcg of natural folic acid consumed with food is equal to a dose of 0.6 mcg of folacin obtained in tablet form.

A woman may not always know about her pregnancy. If we consider that the neural tube in the embryo is formed for up to 30 days from the moment of conception, then the elimination of folic acid deficiency becomes an especially important measure.

For women planning a child, or already in position, doctors prescribe vitamin B9 (folate, folacin) to drink. What is it, what does it give, what it looks like in the photo and why is it useful to take folic acid during pregnancy?

Folacin is a water-soluble vitamin that actively participates in the fundamental processes of the body. It is synthesized by bacteria that live in the intestines in not a large number... Therefore, the basic need can only be satisfied from the outside.

Prescribe acid in case of lack in the body. With a deficiency, the processes of hematopoiesis, the formation of leukocytes, platelets, erythrocytes, and iron absorption are disrupted. The substance participates in the synthesis of amino acids RNA and DNA, helps the egg cell to mature, maintains the optimal level of homocysteine, which is responsible for heart health.

At the beginning of gestation, acid is prescribed to prevent the development of defects in the nervous system of the fetus, at later it helps the expectant mother to normalize the body's work. This is the valuable action of this vitamin.

The benefits and harms of folic acid during pregnancy

If you have prescribed it, then it is not enough.

At the beginning of gestation, an intensive division of the embryo's neural tube occurs, and the spinal cord and brain are formed. A woman may not know that she has conceived, but important processes of the birth of a new life are already taking place in her body.

At the beginning of gestation, acid is especially beneficial. Its reception prevents the child from spinal fractures, congenital absence of the spinal cord or brain, cerebral hernia.

Lack of vitamin B9 is harmful because:

• increases the likelihood of mental retardation in a child;
• disrupts the formation of the placenta, provokes detachment, causes spontaneous abortion;
• leads to congenital malformations, fetal deformities, pathologies of the cardiovascular system, the formation of a cleft lip and a cleft palate (cleft palate).

It is necessary to take folacin at a later date. A sufficient amount of it prevents the development of postpartum depression, reduces apathy, and improves lactation.

Problems can be minimized even when planning pregnancy and during the period of bearing a baby, if you take acid preparations. After all, it is impossible to create a supply of it, but it is difficult to get it from food.

According to statistics, folate deficiency occurs in 50% of women. Studies have shown that taking them regularly during planning and early pregnancy reduces the risk of fetal defects by 80%. Acid is harmful in high doses. Therefore, it must be taken on the advice of a doctor.

Symptoms of excess and lack of folic acid during pregnancy

B9 deficiency is developing rapidly. The first symptoms appear within a week, and a monthly lack of acid leads to a critical condition:

• pallor of the skin;
• irritability;
• nervousness;
• fatigue;
• low efficiency;
• violation of memory, attention;
• the appearance on the skin of age spots, acne;
• a sharp decrease in weight.

These signs are nonspecific and may indicate stress or be normal during pregnancy. But if you do not make up for the lack of acid, this is fraught with dangerous consequences for the fetus and the expectant mother.

You can accurately determine the level of folacin in the body by taking a blood test. Normal indicators fluctuate within 7–45 nmol / l.

Very useful for the child

Folic acid instructions

Vitamin B9 tablets are the same drug as the rest. Therefore, it should not be taken without a doctor's prescription. The instructions of the official manufacturers contain the recommended daily and single doses, methods of taking acid, how long to use, and how to use it correctly. Therefore, all women must read it.

According to clinical guidelines, on order 572n, the daily rate of folacin is 0.4 mg. According to other sources, in order to maintain pregnancy in the first months, it is necessary to take 0.8 mg per day. The doctor decides whether it is a lot or a little.

Medication is started 6 months before the planned conception, and the optimal duration is up to 12 weeks of gestation. In the last trimester, doctors also often advise consuming acid.

Usually, the entire dose is prescribed at a time. This should be done in the morning, a quarter of an hour after breakfast, with water. Folacin should not be taken before meals, as it increases acidity on an empty stomach, causing problems with the gastrointestinal tract. And in pregnant women with toxicosis, it can lead to nausea, vomiting.

Doses higher than the preventive dose are prescribed by the doctor for pregnant women with an established vitamin B9 deficiency, as well as in the following cases:

• the presence of factors that increase folate intake or accelerate its excretion;
• high risk of anomalies of the nervous system (epilepsy, diabetes mellitus in a pregnant woman);
• a family history of malformations;
• disruption of the stomach, intestines.

Reception strictly according to the prescription

What is the dosage of folic acid for pregnant women

Folacin deficiency is especially critical in the most early dates, in the first 2 weeks. Therefore, doctors recommend starting to take it even at the planning stage. But there is no definite answer how long it takes to drink the drug. Some people prescribe it even in the later months of pregnancy.

Doctors insist that a woman drink vitamin B9 in the first trimester. During this period, it has the maximum value, even a small lack of it can negatively affect the fetus.

Many pregnant women are advised not to stop taking all 9 months. This is especially true for women with pathologies or twins. Here folacin in the second and even the last trimester does not hurt.

Prophylactic doses according to instructions:

• minimum - 400 mcg (0.4 mg) / day;
• maximum - 800 mcg (0.8 mg) / day.

If the deficiency is pronounced, a dosage of 5 mg is needed. Unauthorized use of such an amount of vitamin is contraindicated, as it can be dangerous.

Can be prescribed for prophylaxis

Acid tablets are available in 100, 400, 1000, 5000 mcg. For the prevention of deficiency, capsules are prescribed with a content of 400-1000 mcg in an amount of 1 piece daily. A dose of 0.5 mg is therapeutic. Folacin is often prescribed with vitamin E. Substances potentiate each other's action during gestation.

When folic acid is canceled

The question of up to what week folacin is drunk is individual. The doctor decides the date of cancellation.

Consultation with a doctor is required

What folic acid is best to drink during pregnancy

Most often, women are prescribed complexes. These are preparations containing prophylactic doses of vitamins, minerals (E, folacin, ascorbic acid, iodine, iron, zinc, magnesium, calcium). Here are their names and photos:

• Folio;
• Elevit;
• Pregnavit;
• Spirulina;
• Multitabs;
• Centrum.

When taking any of these drugs, the body is replenished with the necessary daily intake of vitamin B9, as well as other trace elements. The advantage of complex products is that you do not need to purchase different medicines, since all substances are contained in one tablet.

Folacin monopreparations are often prescribed in conjunction with other agents: Omega-3, Iodomarin, Vitamin E. The patient and the doctor decide which method and regimen of administration to choose.

Rich in vitamin B9

List of folic acid foods for pregnant women

If a woman prefers to use natural sources of folate instead of drugs, you need to know which foods are high in it. This:

• cereals: rice, buckwheat, oatmeal;
• vegetables: carrots, tomatoes, asparagus, beets;
• walnuts;
• cottage cheese;
• powdered milk;
• beans;
• green pea;
• egg yolk;
• wholemeal bread;
• beef liver.

These foods should be included in the daily diet to prevent folate deficiency.

Folic acid has no analogues

Folic acid analogs

Those who are allergic to folacin are interested in how to replace it in order to ensure the health of the unborn baby? There are no analogues of vitamin B9. The only way out is to give up drugs based on it and get the required daily amount along with food.

Allergy to folic acid during pregnancy: symptoms and treatment

Signs:

• a widespread rash accompanied by itching, burning, urticaria;
• Quincke's edema - mucous, skin or tissue, is life-threatening if spread to the larynx;
• anaphylactic shock;
• eczema;
• bronchial asthma.

If a woman noticed symptoms as in the photo while taking vitamin B9, what should I do? It is necessary to stop taking the medicine and consult a doctor. Usually, antihistamines and enterosorbents are prescribed for the treatment of allergies.

Causes allergies in the form of acne and swelling

Why overdose is dangerous

An excess of the vitamin can lead to:

• increased excitability: a woman becomes irritated, prone to insomnia, frequent mood swings;
• digestive disorders: nausea, a bitter or metallic taste in the mouth, stool disturbances appear;
• functional changes in the kidneys;
• allergic reactions: skin rash, itching, urticaria.

In pregnant women, an overdose can be recognized by an excessive increase in the weight of the fetus. There is a risk of obesity diabetes mellitus, asthma, propensity to allergies in a child.

It is difficult to achieve excess acid, as the excess is excreted in the urine. Usually a lot of it happens with pathologies of the kidneys and liver.

Adverse reactions are rare, folacin preparations are well tolerated, with the exception of people prone to allergies. For them, the tool can be dangerous.

Beware of overdose

Do I need to drink folic acid after a frozen pregnancy

If the fetus dies, you must eat a balanced diet and take vitamins, including folacin, to ensure a normal next pregnancy. This will help to improve the health of the body, restore immunity and hormonal levels.

How much folic acid costs for pregnant women: price in pharmacies

You can buy vitamins with folate content at the following cost:

• Acid tablets - 38 rubles;
• Folacin - 130 rubles;
• Folio - 690 rubles;
• Elevit - 580 rubles;
• Spirulina - 1115 rubles;
• Centrum - 514 rubles.

Folic acid throughout pregnancy: reviews

Ksenia Sumskaya.

I drank Elevit. It contains folklore too. The gynecologist canceled at week 20. She said that it is good for the child.

Oksana Surova.

I don't trust doctors. They gave birth before without all these dietary supplements and vitamins. And nothing. And in order for folk to be in the body, you need to eat buckwheat, eggs and beef liver.

: Borovikova Olga

gynecologist, ultrasound doctor, geneticist