One of the most essential vitamins for the body is vitamin B9. The second name for this vitamin is folic acid. This element is important for children and adults, but folic acid is of particular importance during pregnancy.
Why is folic acid needed?
During pregnancy, folic acid not only promotes 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 necessary for the formation of white blood cells, platelets and red blood cells, the formation of RNA and DNA. Experts also 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, and cause malnutrition and other congenital diseases.
Women who consumed folic acid before pregnancy and continue to do so throughout pregnancy 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 allows the reproductive system of men and women to function properly. Folic acid is also involved in the process of DNA division and RNA synthesis, amino acids and iron absorption.
Folic acid plays a very important role in the metabolism of neurotransmitters (adrenaline and serotonin), which are necessary for normal functioning nervous system. This is a vitamin for Have a good mood and peace of mind.
When taken correctly and regularly folic acid are improving metabolic processes and the functioning of the digestive organs. Folic acid also eliminates toxins and makes proteins easier to digest.
Quite a lot important fact what folic acid does maximum benefit on the body only when used in combination with vitamin B12. The vitamin has a positive effect on skin, hair and activates tissue regeneration. Which is especially important during pregnancy to maintain the beauty of the expectant mother.
Special indications for use
Doctors often prescribe taking folic acid during pregnancy to women who:
- have a vitamin deficiency and its deficiency is confirmed by tests;
- if a woman’s previous pregnancy ended in miscarriage;
- at genetic predisposition to child developmental defects.
In such cases, the doctor prescribes the maximum daily doses of the drug together with other medications.
Symptoms and causes of folic acid deficiency
The first signs of folic acid deficiency are disturbances in the psycho-emotional state. We are talking, first of all, about mood swings, irritability, apathy, and depression. Further insomnia, skin rashes, loss of strength, problems with memory and concentration may occur. It takes less than a month for a pregnant woman to feel such negative consequences.
Some of the causes of folic acid deficiency include:
- unbalanced diet;
- bad habits;
- intestinal diseases;
- taking antibiotics;
- reception hormonal drugs and drugs for epilepsy.
Folic acid dosage during pregnancy
During pregnancy, the rate of folic acid consumption increases, since the consumption is already for two. For the full development of fetal tissue, the formation of the placenta and the excellent well-being of the expectant mother herself, 600 to 800 mcg of vitamin B9 is necessary. The exact dose for each patient is determined by a personal gynecologist. Consuming the recommended amount of folic acid is a necessity, and if there is an excess of the vitamin, all excess is excreted from the body through urine. By the way, women who do not have a deficiency can take only 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 does not guarantee the normal development of the fetus, since in most cases a woman learns 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 and gynecologists strongly recommend planning pregnancy and carefully preparing for subsequent conception.
How much folic acid to take during pregnancy?
The first weeks after conception are very important for the development of the embryo. It 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 are characterized by intense growth and improvement. 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 childbirth while breastfeeding breast milk 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 pregnancy and throughout pregnancy and lactation.
Overdose of folic acid during pregnancy
Cases of folic acid overdose during pregnancy in medical practice were not identified. 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, then with regard to food, not everything is so clear. After all, there are certain groups of foods that contain folic acid in certain quantities. Vitamin B9 contains the following products:
- parsley (can cause miscarriage during pregnancy);
- green leafy salad;
- rosehip, currant, raspberry, linden and birch leaves;
- cabbage;
- mint, plantain, nettle;
- beet;
- legumes (beans, peas);
- cucumbers;
- pumpkin;
- carrot;
- cereals;
- bananas, oranges;
- apricots;
- meat (pork, lamb, beef, chicken);
- offal, for example, liver;
- tuna and salmon;
- eggs;
- dairy and dairy products(milk, cottage cheese, cheese);
- nutritional yeast.
Even absolute opponents of taking any synthetic drugs during pregnancy cannot deny the need to use folic acid (vitamin B 9). This is a scientifically proven fact!
Additionally It has been established that 90% of defects in the development of the neural tube are associated precisely with a deficiency of vitamin B 9 in early stages pregnancy. Moreover, it is considered advisable to start taking folic acid at the stage of pregnancy planning.
Indications for use
Folic acid during pregnancy is of great importance:
- Takes part in DNA synthesis;
- Necessary for normal cell division and growth;
- Involved in the process of hematopoiesis;
- Prevents the appearance of defects in the baby’s nervous system.
And its deficiency leads to irreversible consequences:
- Formation of malformations of the fetal nervous system (absence of the brain, hydrocephalus, spinal column cleft);
- Impaired formation of the placenta;
- Premature birth, in the early stages increases the likelihood of spontaneous miscarriages;
- Mental retardation and physical development fetus
The daily requirement of this drug during pregnancy increases to 400-800 mcg per day. The most common folic acid tablets contain 1000 mcg (1 mg) of vitamin B9. In this case, it is recommended to take 1 tablet per day. An overdose is impossible, since folic acid is a water-soluble vitamin, is excreted in the urine and does not accumulate in the body, which is why constant replenishment of its reserves is required.
The dangers of vitamin deficiency and how to deal with it
If there is a deficiency of this vitamin in the body of the expectant mother, the woman suffers from epilepsy or diabetes mellitus, in previous pregnancies children were born with folate-dependent developmental defects, then during the planning period and in the first trimester of pregnancy, the drug Folacin is prescribed, which contains a many times increased dose of the vitamin (5000 mcg or 5 mg).
If you take multivitamin preparations (, etc.), then an additional separate intake of folic acid is not required, since these complexes contain the necessary preventive dose of the vitamin.
In addition, folic acid stores can be replenished through certain foods. Main source of vitamin is wholemeal flour, there is a lot of it in fresh greens: spinach, lettuce, parsley, beans and broccoli can also be a good additional source of folic acid.
Information You should not refuse to take the drug in prophylactic doses during pregnancy!
It will help avoid many problems during pregnancy and give birth. healthy baby. The use of folic acid during breastfeeding is also encouraged.
Any woman planning a pregnancy is obliged to worry in advance about the health of her own and the future baby. For example, drinking folic acid during pregnancy, as a vitamin supplement that helps reduce the possibility of developing pathologies in the fetus.
Benefits of the drug
Vitamin B9 or folate is found in many foods, such as yeast, liver, cottage cheese, green vegetables, cereals, and some fruits. But in order to get daily norm, it is necessary to use all of them in a very large quantities and raw or undercooked, since when heat treatment the vitamin is practically destroyed.
Why take folic acid during pregnancy? At the very beginning of pregnancy, in the first twelve weeks, folate is prescribed. Starting from the second week, the neural tube is formed in the embryo, and acid is needed for its normal formation. The vitamin is required for the formation of red blood cells and reducing the risk of developing pathologies in the fetus.
The expectant mother needs vitamin B9 to prevent anemia, leg pain, and toxicosis. Taking it in the first trimester minimizes the risk of developing abnormalities of the nervous system by almost 70%.
At the time of cell division, with the help of folates, the structure of DNA and RNA molecules is formed and develops without mutations or damage. Acid is involved in the development of organs and tissues of the fetus, reduces the possibility of delays in mental development child, physical defects.
When telling women at the consultation why folic acid is prescribed, doctors advise starting to drink it at the planning stage, at least 90 days before pregnancy.
Dosage and rules of administration
Folic acid intake for ordinary person per day - at least 50 mcg. But, when carrying a child, the need for it increases repeatedly, and for expectant mothers, the norm is 400 mcg. The vitamin is available in the form of tablets or capsules.
In what dosage should pregnant women take folic acid? Many women are interested in how much folic acid a pregnant woman should drink per day. The norm is determined by the attending physician. Taken as an independent drug or as part of a multivitamin. Doctors recommend taking one tablet a day containing from 400 mcg to 1000 mcg. It is recommended that pregnant women take this dose of folic acid without fear of overdose. If a woman takes any prenatal vitamins and is not deficient in vitamin B9, then taking folate separately is not necessary.
If there is a pronounced deficiency of the vitamin in the body, or if there have been cases of babies being born with neural tube pathology, the doctor increases the daily dose of folic acid, sometimes up to 4 mg, which is four tablets that need to be taken one or more times during the day. Tablets are taken at the same time, before meals or with meals. Except medicines, you can also consume foods containing folates.
How much folic acid should you take during pregnancy? The most important period in which you cannot do without vitamin B9 is the first trimester. The entire pregnancy depends on how the fetus develops at this time. Starting from the second trimester, the required amount of acid is supplied in sufficient quantities with the intake of multivitamins.
Folate deficiency
A lack of vitamin during pregnancy can lead to dire consequences not only for the fetus, but also for the mother. If there is a lack of the drug, the process of formation of the placenta and its nutrition is disrupted, which provokes early termination of pregnancy or the birth of a premature baby. Causes abnormalities in the development of the baby, the occurrence mental disorders in newborns.
Deficiency also affects women's well-being. Especially, the need for vitamin B9 arises when its absorption by the body is impaired, or when there is an increased need for it, for example breastfeeding.
Symptoms indicating a lack of acid are:
- chronic fatigue;
- decreased appetite;
- decreased immunity;
- irritability;
- insomnia.
A lack of folate also occurs when a pregnant woman has severe toxicosis, accompanied by vomiting, which interferes with the absorption of the drug. In order to determine the presence or absence of a vitamin deficiency, a blood test is prescribed to determine its concentration. Based on the results obtained, the attending physician will prescribe the optimal dose that should be taken until delivery. A lack of the drug can also complicate the onset of pregnancy.
Side effects and overdose
Despite the fact that folates dissolve in water and their excess is excreted from the body, in some cases, with prolonged and uncontrolled use, an overdose is possible. Its symptoms are manifested by the appearance of bitter or metallic taste in the mouth, gastrointestinal imbalance, sleep disturbances, kidney failure. Rarely appears allergic reaction.
In the presence of cardio- vascular diseases, an overdose can cause heart failure. It should be taken with caution if there are existing pathologies of the liver or kidneys, or if there is a defect in the gene responsible for folate metabolism.
Sometimes, an excess of vitamin B9 is associated with the birth of children prone to colds, bronchial asthma with impaired immunity. To get rid of side effects– bloating, nausea, insomnia, it is enough to reduce the prescribed rate. Serious problems Excess acid does not harm your health, but it is recommended to call an ambulance.
Drinking strong tea speeds up the process of removing acid from the body. When taking vitamin B9 as an independent drug, its quantitative content in the complex of multivitamins taken is also taken into account in order to minimize side effects and overdose.
U healthy woman If you eat well, the lack of folic acid has practically no effect on your well-being. But it will have a negative impact on the embryo and placenta, especially in the first trimester of pregnancy. Therefore, taking vitamin B9, future mom take care of the child’s health from the moment of conception.
Vitamin B 9 plays a serious role in the body. This is especially true for pregnant women. Therefore, doctors often prescribe folic acid (this is a synonym for vitamin B 9), which is so necessary for expectant mothers. This happens in almost every case when a woman is pregnant. Vitamin B 9 is involved in many important processes. Thus, it is responsible for the formation of blood cells, participates in the structure of DNA, and helps strengthen the immune system. Its use is necessary for the formation of the neural tube without pathologies. In the event of disturbances in the development of the embryo, very Negative consequences, leading to difficulties in the physical and mental activity of the unborn child.
With such a broad meaning of the drug and its frequent use, many people have a lot of questions about how to drink this vitamin. In this article you can find detailed instructions According to the application, you will learn what the required dose is, how long you need to take the drug over time and what precautions to take.
What does a lack of vitamin B 9 lead to?
According to statistics, about 20% of total number The population experiences hypovitaminosis of group B. However, acid deficiency is not always acutely noticeable. As a rule, only a doctor can reliably determine the lack of this substance.
An insufficient amount of folic acid during pregnancy results, first of all, in disturbances in the proper formation and development of the nervous system in the unborn child. Due to this factor, the following defects may appear in the fetus:
- hydrocephalus;
- anencephaly (lack of brain structure);
- cerebral hernias;
- difficult mental and physical development.
In addition, insufficient B9 content in the body during pregnancy contributes to the development of the so-called “open back” syndrome. This implies nonfusion of the spine. Other defects of the spinal column are also possible. If there is a lack of folic acid, there is a high risk that the child will not be able to carry the child to term, since the deficiency increases the risk of premature termination of pregnancy.
Severe folic acid deficiency is quite rare. But its consequences are very serious. Thus, a lack of B 9 can cause irritability and loss of appetite. Further, the negative consequences progress, and in addition to rapid fatigue, disorders of the gastrointestinal tract appear (they are expressed in the form of diarrhea and vomiting). There may be increased hair loss and small ulcers in the mouth. The result of a long-term and acute lack of acid can be death, which is caused by megaloblastic anemia.
Normally, a healthy human intestine can independently produce vitamin B9 in small quantities. However, due to the copious consumption of strong tea, various medications (such as oral contraceptives, antacids, medicines, which have an anticonvulsant effect, as well as those containing zinc as the main active substance) its leaching accelerates. Also, excessively rapid removal of folic acid from the body is provoked by pregnancy itself.
Therefore, doctors prescribe future mothers to use vitamin B 9 as a complementary therapy. This avoids the risk of developing many pathologies and brings the content of this substance to normal.
When is folic acid needed?
Every person needs this vitamin. It becomes especially acute during pregnancy. At the same time, folic acid is perhaps the only drug that even the most convinced fighters against vitamins of artificial origin do not resist the need for additional intake.
It is worth increasing the content of folic acid in your diet even at the stage of pregnancy planning, because in most cases the mother is not aware of the onset of pregnancy for the first few weeks.
Already on the 16th day after conception, the formation of the fetal neural tube begins. Here folic acid plays a significant role. It plays an equally important role in the process of placenta formation in a woman’s body. In case of any violations, the risk of early or emergency termination of pregnancy increases. Therefore, it is extremely important that vitamin B 9 is in the required amount in the body during the first 12 weeks of gestation.
But even if it happened that the woman found out about the fact of pregnancy later than it would have cost to start taking it, she still needs to drink folic acid. This is due to the fact that in the first trimester the neural tube undergoes significant changes, the successful occurrence of which also requires vitamin B9.
Special attention You should take this drug if you have the following risk factors that may adversely affect the development of the child.
- diabetes mellitus in a pregnant woman,
- epilepsy,
- developmental defects in close relatives.
Why is it necessary?B 9 ?
Folic acid plays a significant role for the baby. Despite the fact that it is normally produced by the intestines in small quantities, this may not be sufficient for the development of the fetus. There are a number of important processes that require the participation of vitamin B9.
- Hematopoiesis. This acid is needed for the formation of leukocytes, red blood cells and platelets.
- Formation of DNA and RNA. It is with them that all genetic information is transmitted.
- Together with vitamin B12, the acid is necessary for successful cell division, which is so important for the growth and development of the unborn baby.
It is also worth noting that pregnant women themselves suffer from vitamin B9 deficiency. Deficiency causes anemia, acute toxicosis, depression, and leg pain.
Thus, folic acid during pregnancy is necessary in order to create conditions for the active growth and development of the unborn baby.
Folic acid dosage
For normal well-being and the course of natural processes, there is a certain norm for the content of this substance in the body. So, for an adult, 2 mg per day is enough; for a pregnant woman, this dose is doubled to 4 mg per day. If we talk about the presence of folic acid deficiency, then it is replenished with therapeutic dosages - 5 mg per day.
There are two ways to provide your body with the required amount of acid:
- reception special drugs;
- balanced diet.
Folic acid is most found in food plant origin. Coarse flour is especially rich in it. Oranges, lemons, and avocados are no less valuable in this regard. A lot of B 9 is also found in greens: parsley, spinach, asparagus, onions and green onions. Among animal sources, a large amount of this substance is also found in the liver. Less in fish, meat or cheese. As a rule, those who adhere to a vegetarian diet do not face a lack of folic acid in their bodies, but the classic menu can cause vitamin deficiency. This is especially acute in winter time of the year.
The most effective and accurate is to replenish the deficiency of B 9 using special vitamins and medications. The most popular are folic acid tablets. Content active substance in the drug may vary, so it is better to check the dosage with your doctor. Much depends on the overall picture of the health of the expectant mother. If the deficiency is pronounced, then the daily dose may be increased or another drug may be prescribed that contains a higher concentration of vitamin B9.
If the health of the expectant mother is normal, she is not in the group at risk (these are diabetics and those who suffer from epilepsy), then it is quite possible that there will be no need for increased intake of folic acid. The dosage contained in special vitamin complexes. They are prescribed to many pregnant women by doctors. At the same time, when taking certain medications containing only B9, it is worth considering its amount in other medications that the expectant mother takes. This vitamin is found in the MultiTabs, Pregnavit complexes, as well as specially developed Vitrum Prenatal, Materna and Elevit.
How to take folic acid
The instructions for using this drug are very simple. Your doctor can tell you how to take vitamin B9. This information is also stated in the attached description.
It is best to take folic acid in the form of independent tablets. A small dosage is sufficient to meet the daily requirement. The tablets should be taken in the indicated quantity after meals, with water.
Overdose and side effects
Like all medications, folic acid during pregnancy can cause allergic reactions. But this phenomenon is extremely rare, as is an overdose of the drug. For the latter, daily consumption should be tens of times higher than the required dose - twenty-five tablets per day or more.
In other cases, an excess of this substance in the body is unlikely, since it is easily eliminated naturally. It is worth considering that during pregnancy this process accelerates significantly.
There are no precise studies on whether complications are possible with increased intake of folic acid. However, in Norway it was found that women who took this drug in significant excess had children suffering from asthmatic diseases. If you are confused by the amount of folic acid that your doctor prescribed for you, you can always consult another specialist on this issue.
When carrying a child female body A lot of vitamins and microelements are required. If the fetus lacks some substances, it will take the necessary supply from the mother - in best case scenario. IN worst baby will suffer from this, will be born weakened.
About folic acid
One of essential elements for expectant mothers is folic acid. Also known as vitamin B9. It is necessary for the normal formation of the immune system and circulatory systems body. And if a woman’s diet lacks this substance, then it should be taken as prescribed by a doctor.
Experts also often prescribe folic acid during multiple pregnancies, since in such a situation the needs increase significantly. The study of biochemistry led scientists to the conclusion that this substance is critically important in the formation of new cells, especially in the early stages of pregnancy. Folic acid is often prescribed during pregnancy in the 2nd trimester. And often it becomes a mandatory supplement throughout the entire 9 months.
Why should it be taken during pregnancy?
Sufficient amount of folic acid in the mother's body early stages pregnancy protects the fetus from defects in the development of the neural tube. In addition, this substance is necessary for the normal development of the fetus.
At the same time, our body is not able to synthesize B9 on its own. A small amount is produced in the intestines as a result of microflora activity. However, this volume is not enough even to cover the daily needs of an adult, not to mention a pregnant woman.
In addition, the microflora is quite vulnerable. Hormonal changes characteristic of pregnant women and taking medications can lead to the death of some microorganisms beneficial to humans. As a result, the amount of the element obtained decreases.
Like many other things, necessary for a person, acid is found in food and enters our body with food. However, a significant amount is destroyed during the cooking process. This is why most doctors still prescribe this supplement to their patients.
Folic acid when planning pregnancy
In general, gynecologists advise thinking about the importance of this vitamin even before conception. If there is a lack of B9, a woman may become anemic, since the bone marrow begins to suffer first. In a word, it is not surprising that folic acid is often prescribed based on the results of an examination when planning pregnancy.
Moreover, what is important, it should be drunk not only by the expectant mother, but also by the father. Why? It's simple: it directly affects the quality of sperm. The likelihood of conceiving a healthy baby increases. Let's just say that this acid is extremely important for DNA and RNA.
But here the question arises: how much to drink? For women, the dosage of folic acid when planning pregnancy is 800 mcg. However, keep in mind that some amount is still synthesized in the body, and some you get with food. And despite the assurances of some experts that nothing will come from an excess, there is no point in experimenting. The doctor will be able to determine the exact norm after appropriate research.
What is the dosage of folic acid for men when planning pregnancy? For them, 400 mcg will be enough. Again, these are averages and may fluctuate. Therefore, the future father also needs to undergo all tests.
Should you drink before or after meals?
Taking supplements often raises many questions. For example, how to take folic acid during pregnancy: drink before or after meals, at what interval? It is usually recommended to use it in the morning, after a hearty breakfast, about 15-20 minutes later. You should drink enough clean water.
This recommendation is due to the fact that folic acid on an empty stomach can increase acidity. This, in turn, can cause digestive problems. And pregnant women suffering from toxicosis even vomit.
Why is it still prescribed?
Doctors are often surprised: after all, substances are important. Why is folic acid prescribed during pregnancy, why is it necessary? As already mentioned, in order to avoid pathologies associated with the formation of the fetus. And, as a rule, another 400 mcg is prescribed prophylactically in addition to the usual diet. This is normal daily norm folic acid during pregnancy, traditionally prescribed in the Russian Federation.
If you look at the WHO recommendations, then the amount of the recommended supplement is somewhat more modest: 200 mcg. True, these are average indicators that do not take into account the traditional diet of the majority of Russian citizens. The fact is that folic acid is found most in the liver of birds, in legumes, in various greens, in spices, and preferably in fresh form.
But at the same time, where B9 is located and what foods folic acid is recommended for during pregnancy are somewhat different things. A pregnant woman may be allergic to something, even if her body previously took everything completely calmly. Certain herbs can cause heartburn or nausea, do not forget about toxicosis! As a result, the number of potential sources of folic acid decreases. 
Too much vitamin B9
However, the abuse never worked out well. Any substance we need, even if it is vital, can kill in large quantities. This even applies to water. Therefore, if all indicators are normal, you should not abuse additives. Many modern gynecologists also talk about the need to learn to listen to your body.
What to do if folic acid is elevated during pregnancy? Why is excess dangerous? In this case, the increased risk of developing various respiratory diseases in children will persist until adulthood, that is, up to 18 years. And before the age of 3, they will, in particular, be at risk of asthma.
However, this rarely happens. Even if a pregnant woman takes too much of this element, it is usually simply excreted in the urine, since it is related to water-soluble vitamins. And yet, if we compare, the dangers associated with a deficiency look more terrible: lack of a brain, the risk of premature birth, frozen pregnancy, cleft lip, pathologies of the formation of the spine and much more.
What else do you need to know about this drug?
Folic acid prescribed by a doctor is the same drug as any other. Therefore, you can learn about it from official manufacturers. At the same time, since we are not talking about a specific medicine, no one is stopping the woman herself or together with the pharmacist from choosing which manufacturer to buy the product from.
True, vitamin B9 is now very often found on the pharmacy market not in pure form, and as part of various dietary supplements, along with other vitamins and microelements. It is better to avoid this, because if the expectant mother is already taking some kind of complex, then she may develop hypervitaminosis. Therefore, it is worth asking for the substance in its pure form.
Instructions for use during pregnancy must be included with folic acid. Or rather, the insert is the most ordinary, but there are footnotes regarding the specifics of reception for pregnant women. As a rule, from there you can find out that the product is usually available in the form of tablets of just 400 mcg. That is, a woman just needs to take 1 tablet a day. 
Side effects and contraindications
When exactly should you not take this substance? Prohibited when pernicious anemia, cobalamin deficiency, cancer, as well as individual intolerance. As for side effects folic acid during pregnancy, this may be an allergic reaction, and with prolonged use - vitamin B12 hypovitaminosis.
At different times
Lack of B9 is especially critical in the earliest stages of a child’s formation, in the first literally 2 weeks. Since a woman may often not know that conception has already occurred, doctors advise starting to take this supplement in advance. But there is no clear answer to the question of how long to take folic acid during pregnancy.
By general rule Doctors insist that the expectant mother takes the vitamin for the first 3 months. This is the most important period within the topic under discussion. If the pregnancy is planned, then you need to start taking folic acid even before conception, and, as mentioned, both parents. Then the woman should continue for at least 12 weeks.
Often pregnant women are advised not to stop taking it throughout pregnancy, and often during breastfeeding, since the need for this element is increased there too. However, take specific solution Here you need to consult a doctor.
If we present everything in table form, the situation will look like this:
Many women who are very concerned about the health of the child refuse to take it, worried that they will overdose. Indeed, as mentioned above, excess also does not lead to good things. But to get this result, you need to take 10 tablets every day.
Vitamin E and folic acid during pregnancy
Folic acid is often prescribed in combination with other vitamins. For example, with vitamin E. This is a well-known natural antioxidant that is involved in a huge number of important processes for the body. Therefore, there is nothing strange in this combination. The main thing is to follow the dosage. 
Daily intake of folic acid during pregnancy
The standards have already been announced above. In the EU it is 200 mcg, in the Russian Federation – 400. This difference is due to general condition health and specific diet. You can specify the dose by passing the appropriate tests. Most doctors do not do this, because they do not see anything wrong if a pregnant woman receives a little more than the required amount. But no one is stopping the patient from insisting on her own.
From time to time, gynecologists prescribe 5 mg to a woman. This dose is already therapeutic. It is prescribed when there is reason to fear a pathology caused by a lack of B9. In such situations, anamnesis is taken into account (the birth of sick children in the past, the presence of abnormalities in relatives), and certain diseases in the mother herself.
Pros and cons
Cautious women often weigh the pros and cons of different medications; folic acid during pregnancy is no exception. In fact detailed analysis The situation deserves only respect, another thing is that you should not panic too much and be afraid of an overdose. If you still have questions, you can always contact your doctor or another specialist. But overall, the pros clearly outweigh the cons here. Of course, if there are no direct contraindications.
Duphaston and folic acid when planning pregnancy
If a woman has problems with ovulation, she may be prescribed Duphaston and folic acid in combination when planning pregnancy. They work very well together and help increase the likelihood of conception. But you should not take them on your own. 
Iodomarin and folic acid when planning pregnancy
When planning pregnancy, folic acid is often prescribed along with Iodomarin. This is especially true for those who live far from coastal regions and who lack the corresponding element. Moreover, both potential parents often need such supplements. But the most great importance they have for a woman.
Folic acid and smoking during pregnancy
Smoking and pregnancy generally don’t go well together. Nicotine destroys a number of vitamins and impairs the absorption process. Therefore, in this case, more folic acid is required. Or, at a minimum, you should not skip regularly taking supplements.
Folic acid is very important vitamin for pregnant. When taken regularly, the likelihood of having a completely healthy baby increases. That is why you should not ignore this supplement. But also to engage in amateur activities in this case harmful to the body. Therefore, medical supervision is mandatory.
