How Folic Acid Helps Fetus
By: Micheal BergerTotal Views: 158, Word Count: 559,
To know how folic acid helps fetus, it is a must to refer the baby care and pregnancy care books. Moreover, online information devoted to the benefits of folic acid for the fetus can be wisely utilized by an expectant mother. It proves helpful to the overall development of the unborn child.
Deficiency of folic acid in the diet results in several kinds of health problems. The commonly observed disorder is the neural tube defects that occur in the developing embryos. Besides this, less percentage of folate leads to the accumulation of homocysteine, impairs DNA synthesis, disrupts the repair function of the cells and ultimately makes the person susceptible to fatal diseases like cancer.
What is Folic Acid?
Folic acid is also known as folate. It is a type of vitamin called vitamin B9 which is naturally found in green leafy vegetables. For example, asparagus, broccoli, spinach, lentils, and fruits like orange juice.
Many medical practitioners across the globe believe that folic acid may help an expectant mother’s body to absorb folic acid more capably which allows her to derive maximum benefits from it.
Folic acid is needed to manage the general body functions like DNA synthesis, maintenance and repair of damaged tissues and management of homocysteine metabolism. The component folate plays an important role during the process of speedy cell division and development of the cells. Moreover, folic acid performs the task of producing healthy red blood cells and helps to prevent anemic condition in females.
Role and Importance of Folic Acid in Pregnancy
Many times, women are not aware about the various benefits of folic acid and the role that it plays in pregnancy. If a woman plans to get pregnant, it is essential to consume adequate percentage of folate or folic acid. This component performs the task of correct growth of the child’s body organs. This way, folic acid helps to prevent chances of any defects in the child or future disability.
As folic acid is a nutrient, it plays a very important role in the development of fetal brain. Whenever a woman gets pregnant, it becomes essential to have a balanced proportion of folic acid through a balanced diet. If the pregnant lady lacks sufficient percentage of folic acid during the first six weeks of pregnancy, the risks of her baby developing the neural tube defect increases. It causes ‘spina bifida’ in some cases. A gynecologist explains ‘how folic acid helps fetus’ and the importance of all the indispensable vitamin supplements for a pregnant woman.
What are Neural Tube Defects (NTDs)?
A neural tube defect condition is related to the developmental stage of a being. It is referred as a birth defect wherein the brain and spinal chord development remains incomplete. To name a few, Anencephaly, Encephalocele and Spina bifida are some of the types of neural tube defects.
The condition of spina bifida is referred to the partial closure of the spinal cord and spinal column whereas anencephaly is the underdevelopment of the brain. On the other hand, in encephalocele, the brain tissue projects out of the skin from an unusual opening that develops in the skull.
Knowing how folic acid helps fetus aids to stay away from all the above mentioned defects. Therefore, ensure an appropriate percentage of folic acid in a pregnant woman’s diet.
About the Author
Dr Micheal Berger is a General Physician practicing in Seattle for 9 years. He likes to share medical and good health information for the benefit of mankind through his articles.
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