Good morning friends,Today I'll explain the importance of folic acid supplementation in pregnancy.Neural tube is a structure in the developing embryo, which finally develops into the brain & spinal cord.
NEURAL TUBE DEFECTS are defects arising due to errors in development of the neural tube.The most common defects are spina bifida & anencephaly. Spina bifida is a condition where the the spinal cord of the fetus,fails to close completely. Anencephaly is a condition where a part of the brain of the fetus fails to develop.[i,ll explain these conditions elaborately, in my future posts.]
The development of the neural tube takes place in the early weeks of pregnancy.
FOLIC ACID is a water soluble B-complex vitamin,which plays a role in DNA synthesis and cell replication.Foods that are reach in folic acid are grains,green leafy vegetables,spinach,lentils,broccoli etc.
Fortification of grains has been started in United States,for a long time.This has reduced the prevalence of neural tube defects in pregnancy & also the prevalence of maternal serum alpha-feto protein[msafp-a marker for neural tube defects in pregnancy]
SUPPLEMENTATION OF FOLIC ACID DURING PREGNANCY: .4mg/day[400mcg/day].Supplementation of folic acid during pregnancy should be ideally started 3 months before conception & should be continued throughout the first trimester[the first 12 weeks]. In case of women who have a history of prior child effected by neural tube defects should take folic acid at the dose of 4mg/day.
PLEASE GO AND ATTEND PRE-CONCEPTIONAL COUNSELLING PROGRAMMES,WHEN YOU PLAN FOR A BABY.
FOE FURTHER INFORMATION ON THIS PLEASE DISCUSS THIS ISSUE WITH YOUR DOCTOR.YOU MAY ALSO VISIT THE PATIENT.CO.UK SITEhere
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