Folic Acid & Prenatal Vitamins: Why It’s Essential for a Healthy Pregnancy
Hey there, mama! Are you worried about neural tube defects (NTDs) and surfing the internet for the best folate tablets for pregnancy? Your search ends here. This blog will explore all the nooks and crannies of NTDs, their causes, types, prevention, and the role of folate in pregnancy. We will also mention the best folate tablet for pregnancy.
Basics of NTDs
Neural tube defects (NTDs) are birth defects that develop during the early stages of pregnancy. It develops when the structure of the neural tube is developing into the brain and spinal cord of the baby. NTDs result in serious and life-threatening conditions, which affect the spine, brain, and central nervous system of the baby.
The neural tube generally closes within the first 28 days of pregnancy, and often before a woman knows she is expecting. When the neural tube fails to close, it leads to various NTDs with various symptoms and complications.
Causes of NTDs
Genetic Factors: Some genetic mutations and chromosomal abnormalities lead to NTDs. If a child in the family is born with an NTD, the risk of recurrence in other pregnancies is higher.
Nutritional Deficiencies: Folic acid deficiency during the early stages of pregnancy is a major factor in NTDs. Folic acid is a pregnancy staple for the proper development of the neural tube and NTD prevention.
Maternal Diabetes: Women with pre-existing or gestational diabetes are prone to a higher risk of having a child with NTDs.
Obesity: Maternal obesity is often linked with a higher risk of NTDs because of a lack of nutrition and metabolism.
Maternal Age: Advanced maternal age is associated with a higher possibility of NTDs.
Multiple Pregnancies: There are greater risks of NTDs during multiple pregnancies because of increased nutritional demands.
If you fall into any of these categories, start consuming folate tablets for pregnancy as soon as you get to know about your pregnancy.
Types of NTDs
Anencephaly: This is caused when the neural tube does not close up at the top (cranial) end, leaving an infant without a major part of the brain and skull.
Spina Bifida: It is the most common form of neural tube defect, occurring when the neural tube does not close properly along the spine.
Encephalocele: When the neural tube doesn't close near the brain, it results in an opening that forms in the skull. Part of the brain can push out through this opening, which commonly leads to intellectual disability and other neurological issues.
Iniencephaly: This is a rare and serious type of neural tube defect that happens when the child's spine is seriously malformed (deformed). It typically results in the absence of a neck and your baby's head being severely curved backward, as well as an incomplete closure of the spine and skull.
Prevention of NTDs
Folic Acid Supplement: Adequate amounts of folic acid intake before and during pregnancy are vital for preventing the risk of NTDs. Expectant mothers should consume folate tablets for pregnancy that have around 400 to 600 mcg in them.
Healthy Diet: Consuming a balanced and healthy diet packed with folate foods, such as leafy greens, citrus foods, and legumes, also helps prevent NTDs. However, consume a healthy diet along with folate tablets for pregnancy.
Preconception Care: Women who are planning to conceive should first consult their healthcare providers to understand the risk factors and receive guidance for a healthier pregnancy.
Chronic Condition Management: Women who have chronic medical conditions, such as diabetes or epilepsy, should first consult their medical expert to manage and control these conditions.
Avoid Harmful Substances: If you are pregnant, then you should avoid harmful substances, such as alcohol, tobacco, etc.
Always consult your doctor before buying any folate tablets for pregnancy.
Role Of Folic Acid in Preventing NTDs
Folic acid or Vitamin B9 plays a crucial role in preventing NTDs. Adequate levels of folic acid, from the early weeks of pregnancy, can make or break it. In short, they can lower the risk of congenital abnormalities or increase it.
Folic acid or folate supports the proper development of the neural tube in the fetus and helps cell division. Studies have proven that women who take regular folate or folic acid before and during pregnancy have lower risk of developing NTDs.
Trimacare, The Best Folic Acid Tablet for Pregnancy
Trimacare is a trimester-specific folate tablet for pregnancy. It contains 20+ essential multi micronutrients including L-methyl folate, iron, calcium, iodine, magnesium, omega-3 fatty acid, etc., to support the overall health of you and your baby. Trimacare folic acid supplement contains L-methyl folate in an adequate amount to prevent the risk of neural tube defect. The bioavailable form of folic acid supplement, L-methyl folate is also gentle on the stomach and aids in digestive issues.
The Bottom Line
NTDs are a serious and complex disorder and impact the health and quality of life. Choose a folic acid supplement that contains the bioavailable form of Vitamin B9 to support the optimal health of you and your baby.
Always consult your healthcare professional before choosing a folate tablet for pregnancy.
Comments
0 comment