The harm of taking folic acid in late pregnancy

I believe that many women who are pregnant or preparing to become pregnant are familiar with folic acid. Folic acid is a nutrient that can regulate women's bodies, making them more resistant and more suitable for pregnancy. Although folic acid is good, everything needs to be taken in moderation. Folic acid should only be taken in moderation and not in excess. In addition, the amount of folic acid taken should be different at different times. Here is some relevant knowledge about folic acid!

1. The role of folic acid

Folic acid is an essential substance for the human body to utilize sugar and amino acids, and is necessary for the growth and reproduction of body cells. Folic acid helps the metabolism of protein and, together with vitamin B12, promotes the formation and maturation of red blood cells. It is an indispensable substance for the production of red blood cells. Folic acid also acts as a growth-promoting factor for Lactobacillus casei and other microorganisms.

Folic acid plays an important role in cell division and growth and the synthesis of nucleic acids, amino acids and proteins. A lack of folic acid in the human body can lead to abnormalities in red blood cells, an increase in immature cells, anemia and a decrease in white blood cells. Folic acid is an essential nutrient for fetal growth and development. Folic acid deficiency in pregnant women may lead to low birth weight, cleft lip and palate, heart defects, etc. If there is a lack of folic acid during the first three months of pregnancy, it can cause neural tube defects in the fetus and lead to malformations. Therefore, women who are planning to become pregnant can start taking 100 micrograms to 300 micrograms of folic acid daily before pregnancy.

2. Do I need to take folic acid during late pregnancy?

In the late pregnancy, in addition to the growth and development of the fetus, the development of the mother's blood volume, breasts, and placenta greatly increases the pregnant woman's need for folic acid. If folic acid is insufficient, pregnant women are prone to placental abruption, pregnancy-induced hypertension, and megaloblastic anemia. The fetus is prone to intrauterine growth retardation, premature birth, and low birth weight, and the growth and intellectual development of the fetus after birth will be affected.

Folic acid needs to be supplemented not only from three months before pregnancy to three months after pregnancy, but also throughout the pregnancy and lactation period. It also needs to be supplemented in the late pregnancy. It can prevent anemia in the fetus and pregnant women, and it also helps with postpartum recovery and promotes milk secretion, which are all very helpful.

3. When is the best time to take folic acid tablets?

When is the best time to take folic acid tablets? The Chinese Nutrition Society's 2007 "Dietary Guidelines for Chinese Residents" pointed out that women of childbearing age should take 400 micrograms of folic acid (equivalent to one folic acid tablet) daily starting three months before pregnancy and continue throughout the pregnancy, because the folic acid level in a woman's body cannot be increased in a short period of time after taking medication. Since folic acid can irritate the stomach and cause stomach discomfort, which will inevitably affect appetite, it is recommended that folic acid tablets be taken half an hour after a meal.

Folic acid can be taken throughout the entire pregnancy, and expectant mothers can have relevant understanding. As a nutrient, folic acid plays a very good role in the growth of the fetus and the prevention of physical diseases in expectant mothers. Expectant mothers can choose whether to take folic acid in the later stages of pregnancy based on their physical condition. This will help you get through your pregnancy better.