Folic Acid Awareness Week is from January 5-9, 2015. Consumption of folic acid by the pregnant woman can reduce the risk of having a child with a neural tube defect by 70 per cent. It is recommended that women eat a diet rich in folate. Folate can be found in liver, raw leafy vegetables, beans, peas, and lentils. In addition, it is recommended that women take folic acid supplements prior to and during pregnancy.
The first four weeks of pregnancy are critical for the healthy development of the spinal cord, brain, and skull. By the 4th week of pregnancy, the neural tube should be closed. If the neural tube does not close properly, the health of the baby is impacted. This results in a Neural Tube Defect.
When the top of the cord does not close, Anencephaly occurs. A baby with Anencephaly is born with an underdeveloped brain and skull. This is a fatal condition.
When the bottom of the cord fails to close, Spina Bifida occurs. Spina Bifida involves a malformation of the vertebrae and possible damage to the nervous system. The spinal cord and its coverings protrude through the openings between the individual bones that make up the back bones, resulting in a bulge or “sac”. The term Spina Bifida can apply to a variety of conditions that range from relatively minor problems that can be surgically corrected, to severe physical disabilities and developmental delays.
It is recommended that all women of childbearing age (16-35 years) take folic acid supplements or a multivitamin with folic acid in it. This is especially important since approximately half of all pregnancies are unplanned, and many women do not know that they are pregnant until after the first month; the critical period for the closure of the spinal tube. Women should continue to take this supplement throughout pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Women with low health risks should begin taking a folic acid fortified multivitamin containing 0.4 – 1.0mg of folic acid starting at least 2-3 months before conception and continue taking for at least the first 3 months of pregnancy. Women with compromised health or particular health conditions should eat a diet rich in folate and begin taking a daily vitamin containing 5.0mg of folic acid at least 3 months before becoming pregnant and continue this level of supplementation throughout the entire pregnancy and breastfeeding. Currently, this level of folic acid is only available with a doctor’s prescription.
For more information, please contact 306-651-4300.
