Patient's question:
Hello! I started taking folic acid tablets intermittently after getting pregnant, and now I'm almost four months along. In the past two months, I've been taking them almost every day. But could you please tell me when I should continue taking them?Doctor's answer:
Hello, and in the project of maternal health and nutrition, the supplementation of folic acid is very important. It must be supplemented both before pregnancy and during pregnancy. Theoretically, folic acid is the carrier for DNA synthesis. During embryonic development, a deficiency in folic acid can affect the synthesis of fetal DNA, thereby impacting the development of fetal tissues and organs, leading to many congenital deformities, including anencephaly, spina bifida, and cleft lip and palate.It is best to start taking folic acid three months before pregnancy, as improving the body's folic acid levels takes time. Supplementing with folic acid throughout the entire pregnancy can address issues such as perinatal fetal death, low birth weight, and neonatal hemolysis. It is recommended to continue its use.