The Benefits of Folic Acid in Early Pregnancy

One of the first things to focus on is folic acid. Folic acid is incredibly important in the early stages of pregnancy because it helps prevent neural tube defects, which are serious issues with the development of the brain and spinal cord. A study published on PubMed found that women who consume between 400 and 800 micrograms of folic acid daily before conception and during the first trimester can reduce the risk of neural tube defects by up to 70%. This means that by maintaining this intake, we can help prevent serious health problems that can arise during this critical developmental stage.

It’s not just folic acid that’s important – iron is another crucial nutrient, especially during this time. When pregnant, the body begins to produce more blood to carry oxygen to the baby, which increases the need for iron. Iron deficiency can lead to anemia, causing extreme fatigue, weakness, and sometimes even heart palpitations. A study published in The American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology found that women who take iron supplements significantly reduce the risk