Folic Acid in Pregnancy - Essay Example

Folic Acid in Pregnancy Name Institution Name Date Introduction Folic acid is a B vitamin; it is also known as folate. Fortified cereals are the best sources of folic acid, but some consumers are unable to access appropriate amounts of fortified cereals and folic acid. Other sources of folic acid include orange juice, spinach, and kale. Folic acid is integral to the production of red blood cells, and it plays a significant role in the development of an individual and a fetus. Availability of enough folic acid helps in the neural tube development in the spinal cord and brain of the child. Scientists and researchers present similar views on the significance of folic acid in the developmental of a child. The scientists and researchers argue that it contributes to the development of DNA. Others state that folate plays an integral role in cell development and growth, and also tissue formation. Therefore, the paper discusses the consequences of poor intake of folic acid, benefits of taking enough folic acid before and after conception, and management of high-risk women. Giving birth to a healthy baby is important, and it is imperative to note the mother’s diet and supplementary requirements. The needs and requirements of the mother should be understood and understanding the requirements of folic acid is important since it determines the future of the child. The development of a child can be seen through different facets including cognitive, psychological and physical development, which starts in the womb of the mother. Hence, understanding folic acid requirements of a woman and provision of the right amounts ensure the child grows healthy from conception to birth. Consequences of Poor intake of Folic Acid by Women Without enough consumption of folate, the unborn child may suffer developmental diseases. If the pregnant individual takes lower amounts of folic acid, it increases the chances in which the child born would suffer from serious neural tube defect. Neural tube defect is the incomplete development of the spinal cord and brain (Talaulikar & Arulkumaran, 2013). The common types of neural tube defects include spina bifida, which is an incomplete closure of the spinal column and the spinal cord (Blencowe et al., 2010). Another defect is anencephaly, which is a severe brain underdevelopment; encephalocele is a condition in which the brain tissue protrudes outside of the body because of an abnormal opening in the skull (Czeizel et al., 2010). These defects usually occur during the first 28 days of pregnancy. The Benefit of the Folic Acid Counseling before Pregnancy Pregnancy can occur in two general forms: planned and unplanned. It is also integral to note that the defects occur in the first 28 days after conception. In this period, the woman may not be aware of the pregnancy (Talaulikar & Arulkumaran, 2011). Therefore, it is imperative for women of childbearing age to consume enough folic acid to preempt problems associated with lack of enough folic acid (Talaulikar & Arulkumaran, 2013). As discussed, folic acid plays an important role in the development process, and the consumption of enough folic acid would avert numerous challenges, which are associated with lack of enough folic acid in the body (Blencowe et al., 2010). Folic acid counseling is important before pregnancy because it is possible to address the defect problem before occurring (Czeizel et al., 2010). For example, the defect problems usually occur within the first month meaning that it is crucial for the patient to understand their folic acid levels (Talaulikar & Arulkumaran, 2013). Prevention is better than cure and seeking counseling assistance is important because it enables the prospective mother to take appropriate precautions based on their medical disposition (Blencowe et al., 2010). The counseling will also enable integration of numerous factors; for example, the influence of certain drugs on the absorption of folic acid. In addition, the lifestyle conditions may influence the amount of folic acid (Berry et al., 2010). These problems can be avoided through folic acid counseling during pregnancy. The Benefit of the Folic Acid Counseling During Pregnancy The counseling is also important because the patients may understand the side effects associated with consumption of folic acid (Blencowe et al., 2010). Some of the side effects may be associated with other medical problems and frequent interaction with the medical counselor is the appropriate strategy to differentiate the problem (Talaulikar & Arulkumaran, 2011). For example, the use of supplements may result in loss of appetite, nausea, bloating, depression, sleep problems, feeling irritable or excited, and unpleasant or bitter taste in the mouth of the patient (Talaulikar & Arulkumaran, 2013). Through counseling, it is possible to understand these side effects and the condition of the patient addressed accordingly (Czeizel et al., 2010). Without counseling, the wrong diagnosis may be proposed, which may affect the development of the baby and also the mother (Običan et al., 2010). During pregnancy, the continuous counseling on folic acid is important (Czeizel et al., 2010). The pregnancy affects the woman differently, and the amount of folic acid requirements would keep changing. The original dose before pregnancy may differ with the dosage during pregnancy (Talaulikar & Arulkumaran, 2011). Therefore, the continuous engagement ensures the right dosage is taken. In addition, side effect problems can be identified easily allowing for effective corrective strategies and measures (Talaulikar & Arulkumaran, 2013). The counselor will be able to determine the continuous amount of folic even after the birth. The development of the baby passes through different phases, and each of the phases requires certain nutrients (Blencowe et al., 2010). For example, after birth, it is recommended that the baby suckle for the next six months. Since the child relies on the mother’s milk, the milk should be enough and contain the appropriate nutrients. Some amount of the folic acid nutrients can be passed through the breast milk meaning that the baby could benefit (Talaulikar & Arulkumaran, 2013). The amount of folic acid consumed during this period can be determined by a counselor (Czeizel et al., 2010). Therefore, a counselor plays an important role in the development of the child until the child starts eating on his own (Berry et al., 2010). Recommended Daily Intake before/during Pregnancy The appropriate method to get folic acid is through dietary. However, challenges may exist in taking the right doses of the folate from food (Talaulikar & Arulkumaran, 2011). The solution is taking supplements to address the problem. Before conceiving, it is advisable for a woman to take 400 mcg of folic acid (Czeizel et al., 2010). For the first three months after conception, the woman is also supposed to take 400 mcg. Between the fourth month and the ninth month of the pregnancy, the woman is supposed to take 600 mcg. During breastfeeding, it is expected that a woman should take 500 mcg (Običan et al., 2010). From the analysis, it is evident that it is important to take the right amount of folic acid during the childbearing period (Talaulikar & Arulkumaran, 2013). It is estimated that, taking the right dosage of folic acid reduces the chances of premature births by 50%. Thus, it is not only the developmental and prevention of defects, but also the condition of the pregnancy (Blencowe et al., 2010). Premature births may introduce additional complications; therefore, taking the right amount of folic acid contributes to prevention of the problem (Czeizel et al., 2010). Without considering the significance of folic acid to a pregnant woman, the folic acid plays an important role in all the individuals. Male and female whether pregnant or not should consume appropriate daily dosage of folic acid (Talaulikar & Arulkumaran, 2013). Folic acid assists in red blood cells development, which is crucial for the delivery of oxygen throughout the body of an individual. Effective delivery of oxygen improves the health of an individual, and some scientists argue that enough folic acid in the body reduces the chances of heart diseases (Blencowe et al., 2010). Therefore, it is appropriate to ensure the right amount of folic acid is taken daily. Management of High-Risk Women Some women may have a higher risk of giving birth to a baby with neural tube defect. For these women, dietary folic acid is not sufficient. Classification of high-risk women is premised on numerous variables (Talaulikar & Arulkumaran, 2011). Some of the variables used to determine whether a woman is at a high risk include if the woman has already given birth to a child with a neural tube defect, have a relative with the problem, the woman having a neural defect, have type 1 diabetes, and taking some medicines (Običan et al., 2010). Some of the medicines that can affect absorption of folate include seizures and epilepsy. It is imperative to engage a physician in providing an appropriate remedy. Lifestyle and health play an important role. For example, obesity contributes to depletion of folic acid in the body meaning that additional amounts of folate are a requirement (Talaulikar & Arulkumaran, 2013). In addition, alcoholism and drug abuse are some of the problems that contributes to folic acid problems (Blencowe et al., 2010). Even though information and awareness have been communicated to the women against alcoholism/drug abuse, the issue of obesity is sometimes unavoidable but can be managed (Običan et al., 2010). Therefore, the management of the problem should incorporate the nature and circumstances of obese individuals. These at women at-risk and the amount of folic acid supplements should be provided based on the conditions and characteristics of the women (Talaulikar & Arulkumaran, 2011). For example, different amounts of supplements are required, and additional medicines can be included when a folic acid reacts with other medicines that the pregnant women consume (Blencowe et al., 2010). For example, drugs for epilepsy are important and a variant of folic acid or a drug that assists absorption can be provided (Czeizel et al., 2010). The people suffering from other medical related problems should be given medication based on the amount of folic in their respective bodies. For example, dosages may be increased for women who have had experience of the defects. Studies have shown that excessive consumption of folic acid combined with dietary allocations does not have a negative effect on the body (Običan et al., 2010). The excessive folic acid is passed out with urine meaning that the women can continue consuming dietary supplements (Talaulikar & Arulkumaran, 2013). Advice should also be given to the women not to concentrate on supplements but champion dietary allocations (Blencowe et al., 2010). For example, creating a balanced diet that includes products that contain folic acid is important and can prevent the women from other medical conditions such as obesity. During pregnancy, women are susceptible to different health related complications and it is imperative to encourage lifestyle management strategies (Talaulikar & Arulkumaran, 2011). The issue of folic acid should not be seen independently rather numerous healthy variables should be considered during the diagnosis (Czeizel et al., 2010). The purpose is to ensure the optimum services are provided to the pregnant patients and the population. Conclusion Before, during and after pregnancy, women have to consume the right amounts of folic acid. Folic acid plays an important role in the developmental of the child. It presents occurrences of defects in the brain and spinal of the child. The defects include encephalocele, anencephaly, heart-related complications and spina bifida. To prevent these defects, it is appropriate to engage a counselor to advice on the appropriate medical/dietary provision. Eating green vegetables and fortified grains are some of the dietary approaches to providing the body with folic acid while supplements can be used to address the shortage of folic acid in the body. Having the right amounts of folic acid before conception is important because it reduces chances associated with the numerous diseases and also improves oxygen supply in the body. At-risk women should be advised and given the appropriate supplements based on their respective conditions. Drug interactions are some of the problems associated with consuming supplements but understanding the conditions of the woman is important in determining the appropriate supplement. Women should continue consuming healthy diet with folic acid to ensure problems such as neural tube defects. References Berry, R. J., Bailey, L., Mulinare, J., Bower, C., & Dary, O. (2010). Fortification of flour with folic acid. Food & Nutrition Bulletin, 31(Supplement 1), 22S-35S. Blencowe, H., Cousens, S., Modell, B., & Lawn, J. (2010). Folic acid to reduce neonatal mortality from neural tube disorders. International journal of epidemiology, 39(suppl 1), i110-i121. Czeizel, A. E., Puho, E. H., Langmar, Z., Acs, N., & Banhidy, F. (2010). Possible association of folic acid supplementation during pregnancy with reduction of preterm birth: a population-based study. European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, 148(2), 135-140. Običan, S. G., Finnell, R. H., Mills, J. L., Shaw, G. M., & Scialli, A. R. (2010). Folic acid in early pregnancy: a public health success story. The FASEB Journal, 24(11), 4167-4174. Talaulikar, V., & Arulkumaran, S. (2011). Folic acid in pregnancy. Obstetrics, Gynaecology & Reproductive Medicine, 21(5), 147-148. Talaulikar, V., & Arulkumaran, S. (2013). Folic acid in pregnancy. Obstetrics, Gynaecology & Reproductive Medicine, 23(9), 286-288. Read More