norm of folic acid when planning pregnancy

Vitamin B 9 is vital for humans. Its insufficient intake leads to immunity disorders, pathologies of the nervous system, anemia, deterioration of the function of the digestive organs, hair loss, brittle nails and skin diseases. Preparations containing it are prescribed for the correction and prevention of various conditions of the body, at the planning stage and in the first weeks of pregnancy. When is supplemental folic acid needed, how should I take it? Let's consider the rules of administration and dosage.

Synthetic forms of vitamin B9

Polluted environment, irregular diet, low quality products can lead to a lack of vitamin B9 in the body. In such cases, additional intake of folic acid in tablet form is required.

This water-soluble vitamin is well absorbed by humans, and synthetic forms are not inferior to natural ones in this regard. A small dose of folate is contained in all vitamin complexes. To prevent various diseases, it is drunk either alone or in combination with other B vitamins, ascorbic acid or iron.

The form of folate, dosage and method of administration are determined by the doctor, taking into account the characteristics of the body and the purpose of the prescription. They are produced in tablet form, in the form of capsules, in ampoules for injection or use in cosmetology, in powders.

How much folic acid should you take?

Folic acid preparations are prescribed in preparation for pregnancy, after serious illnesses, with diagnosed anemia due to a lack of vitamin B9, after radiation and chemotherapy, after surgery on the gastrointestinal tract, and with dysbacteriosis. You should also take folic acid if you are worried about frequent colds, viral infections, with general weakness and constant drowsiness, after extensive intoxication with alcoholic beverages or drugs, or salts of heavy metals. Vitamin B9 intake for the prevention of these diseases and conditions is prescribed in a dose of 50 mcg daily in the morning after breakfast for 3-4 weeks. After a ten-day break, the course of prophylactic administration can be repeated. During the year, you can take 6 courses, taking folic acid in the form of tablets or capsules.

How to Simply Recommend

Why the medicine does not work The key to successful treatment is, of course, following all the doctor’s recommendations and informing him of all significant changes during therapy. However, a specialist can talk as much as he wants about the regimen and duration of taking the drug, but most patients will still violate these rules. Read more

If the patient takes multivitamins, then additional folic acid can be prescribed only if there are a number of therapeutic indications. For example, when preparing for pregnancy, the dose of folic acid should be 400 mcg and taking it in the form of a multivitamin complex does not replenish the required dose. In the first trimester of pregnancy, you need to constantly take vitamin B9 in a dose of 300-400 mcg. During lactation, the dose is reduced to 200 mcg, the methods of administration are recommended by the doctor. Usually four-week courses are prescribed with a one-week break.

If the patient is undergoing radiation or chemotherapy, then folic acid is prescribed for the entire duration of therapy and for an additional three months after the cessation of radiation.

For gastrointestinal diseases, after surgery, folic acid is prescribed in the form of injections, since oral administration does not produce results due to the fact that the drug is not absorbed by the body.

After acute poisoning, 400 mcg of folic acid is prescribed in the form of intramuscular injections for three months.

For dysbacteriosis, vitamin B9 is prescribed in the form of injections or orally with the simultaneous use of bifidobacteria and lactobacilli.

Eating foods rich in folic acid will only replenish folic acid if preventive measures are necessary. Large amounts of acid are found in green salads, cereals, bran, nuts, oranges, bananas, and baker's yeast. For therapeutic purposes, it is impossible to replenish vitamin B9 with food alone.

Rules for taking vitamins

To ensure maximum absorption of vitamin B9 and reduce the likelihood of side effects, medications should be taken as recommended. The instructions for use of folic acid describe how to take it correctly.

To reduce the irritating effect of tablets on the gastric mucosa, you need to take them after meals. Failure to comply with this rule can lead to increased stomach acidity, causing nausea and vomiting, especially during pregnancy. By taking the tablet with food, the patient reduces its absorption.

Folic acid interacts with some medications, so it should be taken at different times. Medicines that eliminate high stomach acidity can be taken only 2 hours after taking vitamin B9. This restriction applies to drugs containing magnesium, calcium, and aluminum.

Vitamin B9 does not combine well with cholisteramine. Folates are not compatible with neomycin, tertacycline, polymexine.

folic acid during pregnancy reviews

Girls,

I am sharing the contents of my first aid kit.

Maybe it will be useful to someone :)

Currently, my baby is 18 weeks old, so I excluded Folic acid from the first aid kit.

First aid kit contents:

Drugs prescribed by a gynecologist to maintain pregnancy:

1. Hormonal tablets “Prajisan” (vaginal administration);

I have been taking 600 mg per day (200 mg tablets) from about 8-10 weeks of pregnancy (before that I took the drug Duphaston, which is prescribed for short periods and which did not help me stop the “daub”). 600 mg is a lot, but for now the gynecologist does not risk reducing it, since the hypertonicity of the uterus persists, and with it and bleeding, I have been in conservancy for 18 weeks already 6 times).

I take hormonal medications strictly at the same time every day. Once I delayed taking the pill for several hours, which caused bleeding. It's dangerous to joke with hormones.

2. Magnelis B tablets.

I take 4 tablets a day, strictly at the same time, at regular intervals.

Hemostatic drugs:

1. Tranexam tablets.

Unfortunately, I had to stay in the hospital with bleeding. In the hospital they gave him hemostatic injections and also gave him Cyclogemal tablets. Cyclohemal had a bad effect on me and did not help stop the bleeding, so the gynecologist advised me to buy the Tranexam tablets themselves, they acted quickly.

When the discharge began, the gynecologist advised (while waiting for an ambulance) to take 3 tranexam tablets at a time

and introduce 2 tablets of hormones. Perhaps then this helped me save the baby, since I ended up in the hospital room only after 3.5 hours. (The gynecologist checked to see if there were any clots, since in this case it is not recommended to take medications on your own; you first need to undergo an ultrasound).

Medicines for mild anemia:

1. Ferrum Lek iron tablets.

They were discharged to hospital. When I was discharged, others were recommended, but after studying the instructions for both drugs, I left these. Their possible side effects are quite simple, but the other side effects prescribed to me have a lot of “scary” ones.

All iron supplements have an effect on stool. But for this reason you should not refuse them, since anemia itself can be a threat to the baby and mother. In addition, it must be said that a complex leads to difficulties with bowel movements - there are also hormonal pills, your own hormones, a growing uterus, in some women a “gentle” sedentary lifestyle, etc.

Medicines for treating colds, agreed upon with a gynecologist:

For the nose:

1. Spray “Aqua Maris plus”.

I use it according to the instructions. A safe product that does not contain any chemicals.

2. “Dolphin” for rinsing the nose.

I use it according to the instructions 2 times a day (morning/before bed). Cleans very well and also does not contain chemicals.

3. Phototherapy apparatus “Dyuna-M”.

I learned that if you have a cold or during pregnancy, you can warm up the wings of your nose with it when your sniffles are running. Stops quickly, within a couple of warm-ups (4-5 minutes on each side).

I make sure that the rays don’t hit anywhere else (I turn it on and off while holding the device to my nose).

For the throat:

1. Spray “Aqua Maris Strong” for the throat.

Also, sea water with salt is completely safe. I use it according to the instructions.

2. Furacilin tablets.

Preparation of solutions for gargling.

3. Medicinal herb “Chamomile”.

Preparation of solutions for gargling.

4. Rotokan tincture for gargling

(will help with inflammation, sore throat, and also if dental treatment is required, which is being postponed for now).

Rotokan is a herbal tincture, but it also contains alcohol. Rotokan, a drug that is taken both topically and orally. Therefore, due to the alcohol and the content of certain substances, it is prohibited to use it during pregnancy. Rinsing is acceptable. The dentist prescribed me 1 teaspoon per 1 glass of Water (rinse for 14 days, 2 times morning/evening). For pain/sore throat, gargle 3 times a day.

5. “Mukoltin” tablets (for wet coughs) and “Althea” syrup are practically the same thing. The most harmless drug for sputum discharge.

Dosage for prophylactic use

A person cannot stock up on nutrients for future use. An excess of them in the body will cause no less serious damage to health than a deficiency. Vitamin B9 is no exception. Therefore, the dosage of folic acid is determined by the doctor individually, taking into account the gender and age of the patient. The daily diet of an adult should contain from 2 to 5 mcg of this substance. To maintain health, it is enough to take the synthesized drug in a prophylactic, that is, in a minimum dosage.

The use of folic acid in tablet form is required in the treatment of various ailments, increased physical activity, during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Dosage table:

The role of folio in planning conception

The first question that I would like to discuss with you is why to take this element and, in general, whether it is necessary to do it. I think even those of you who are just planning to expand your family know very well how important a woman’s health is during pregnancy. How exactly this happy period will proceed depends on how the expectant mother feels, whether illnesses are bothering her, and whether she is ready to conceive.

Much here depends on vitamin B9 in the body. If there is not enough of it, not only will you not feel very good during the period of gestation, but the deficiency can also affect the development of the baby. I’ll tell you a small but very important secret - a lack of this vitamin can even adversely affect conception!

Let me briefly list what the use of the drug gives:

• Digestive processes improve, nutrients are absorbed faster by the body;
• appetite appears;
• irritability, which is typical for pregnant women, disappears, the state of the nervous system is strengthened;
• blood supply to important organs is activated;
• immunity increases;
• the risk of endocrine system diseases is reduced;
• during pregnancy there are no attacks of toxicosis;
• all organs and systems activate functions, preparing for the upcoming changes associated with bearing a baby;
• the likelihood of conception increases.

If the expectant mother does not have an acid deficiency, then the baby will feel great. The baby in the tummy will quickly develop and grow, the development of pathologies is completely excluded.

Would you like me to share another useful secret with you? Get ready to conceive a baby with your beloved man! For the male body, folio is no less important in preparation than for women, because this element can increase the amount of sperm and even have a positive effect on its composition! I had to study the reviews on the forum - there the mothers were delighted with this beneficial effect.

Taking folic acid for medicinal purposes

Folates are prescribed not only for the purpose of prevention, but also for the treatment of many pathologies.

For example, they are used as part of complex therapy:

• pathologies of the cardiovascular system;
• anemia;
• psoriasis and other skin diseases;
• Down's disease;
• Alzheimer's disease;
• scurvy;
• periodontal disease;
• schizophrenia and bipolar disorder;
• depressive states.

Your doctor will tell you how to take folic acid and what is its method of use. The dosage of the drug depends on the pathology and characteristics of the patient’s body and ranges from 4 to 20 mcg per day. Self-medication is dangerous to health!

Purpose of folic acid

Taking folic acid is necessary for:

• normal functioning of blood cells;
• DNA synthesis;
• the process of formation of erythrocytes and normoblasts;
• treatment of macrocytic, megaloblastic, hyperchromic anemia;
• effective antimicrobial therapy;
• preventive treatment during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

This acid also promotes the formation of enzymes that have a preventive effect on the formation of tumors.

Taking the drug when planning and bearing a child

Folate deficiency in a woman’s body can lead to serious problems with conceiving and carrying a baby. This condition provokes spontaneous abortion, placental abruption, and egg abnormalities. This necessitates the need to take synthetic supplements containing vitamin B9 several months before expected conception. Read more about the role of folic acid in planning pregnancy →

How to take folic acid will be prescribed by the attending doctor, taking into account the age and health status of the patient. The dosage can range from 2 to 4 mcg per day. The doctor will determine how much folic acid to take over time. Usually the pills are started 4 weeks before the planned pregnancy.

This substance takes an active part in the formation and functioning of the child’s nervous system, including the spinal cord and brain. Its lack during fetal maturation can cause hydrocephalus, cleft lip, anecephaly, pathologies of heart development, and spina bifida. Vitamin B9, used prophylactically, can reduce the likelihood of developing such complications. Expectant mothers are recommended to eat foods rich in folates and take tablets in a dose of up to 8 mcg per day. Folic acid during pregnancy is taken throughout the first trimester.

What is the dosage and dosage regimen?

The justification for using folic acid in the form of medications should be determined by a doctor. Depending on whether the intake of vitamin B9 is preventive, or whether the body is experiencing an acute deficiency, the dosage will differ. Most often, folic acid deficiency occurs when:

• alcohol abuse, which increases the consumption of useful substances;
• problems with the digestive system that prevent the intake of valuable components from food;
• long-term use of oral hormonal contraceptives.

You can understand that the body is suffering from a lack of vitamin B9 by the following signs:

• unreasonable irritability;
• constant fatigue;
• digestive disorders;
• poor appetite;
• memory impairment;
• depression.

With prolonged deficiency, more serious symptoms will appear due to impaired red blood cell production, as well as other complications.

Traditionally, folic acid should be taken with or immediately after meals, once or twice a day. For a healthy man and woman who lead an active lifestyle and eat right, 1 - 2 mg of the substance in its pure form is enough. This is 1 - 2 tablets. If there are health problems or pregnancy has already occurred, the volume can be increased to 4 - 8 mg per day.

An indication for increasing the dosage when planning a baby is also a situation where the parents already have a child who was born with a pathology of the brain or spinal cord. In addition, there are defects in enzyme systems, which result in reduced absorption of the vitamin from food. These conditions are determined by a woman’s genetic passport.

The period of use of folic acid is determined by a specialist during a face-to-face consultation. Typically, men who do not experience signs of vitamin deficiency can stop taking it as soon as their wife’s pregnancy test shows two lines.

For women the situation is different. The fact is that vitamin B9 is very necessary during pregnancy, especially in the first three months for the full formation of the baby’s nervous tissue. Therefore, you should not follow the male example and immediately stop drinking it after confirmation of conception. However, the dosage needs to be adjusted. Perhaps, for this purpose, the doctor will advise changing the drug that contains the vitamin, or its form.

Watch the video about the importance of folic acid when planning pregnancy:

Folic acid dosage for men

Vitamin B9 deficiency causes deterioration in the health of not only women, but also men.

A lack of it can lead to:

• decreased sperm motility;
• reducing the quality of sperm and, consequently, the likelihood of conception;
• increasing the likelihood of genetic pathologies in a child.

The average preventive dose for a future father is 2-4 mcg per day, but the dosage of the drug needs to be clarified by a doctor.

In adolescents, as a result of a deficiency of this substance, hormonal disorders and delayed puberty may develop. As a result, growth slows down, memory deteriorates, and appetite is impaired. If such signs appear, you should consult a doctor who will conduct an examination. If it is determined that the cause of the disorder is folic acid, or rather its deficiency, the doctor will determine the required dosage and tell you how to take it.

Why take folic acid before pregnancy?

Already in the mid-20th century, scientists discovered that folic acid is actively involved in cell reproduction, which occurs especially actively in the first weeks of pregnancy. It helps prevent developmental defects such as severe underdevelopment and herniation of the brain, spina bifida, as well as many other problems that are less serious, but in most cases lead to miscarriage or death of the newborn.

Taking folic acid before and during pregnancy has been shown to reduce the risk of neural tube defects by more than 70%. In addition, it is also involved in the processes of hematopoiesis, being to some extent responsible for the condition of the placenta.

Despite the fact that vitamin B9 is most indicated for use precisely at the planning stage and in the first weeks of pregnancy, its deficiency in the last weeks can have an extremely negative impact on the nervous system and intelligence of the unborn child, cause mental disorders, and, according to some reports, such defects like cleft lip and cleft palate.

The lack of a sufficient amount of folic acid in a woman’s diet also affects her condition, manifesting itself in loss of appetite, irritability and increased fatigue. Therefore, when planning pregnancy, folic acid is mandatory.

Taking medications to combat excess weight

As one of the means in a comprehensive fight against excess weight, nutritionists recommend taking vitamin B9 in additional dosage. This will bring the expected effect provided proper nutrition and regular physical activity. The substance helps improve metabolism and rapid breakdown of fat. In this case, the need for additional folic acid supplements and the method of taking it should be clarified by a nutritionist. Uncontrolled use of this product can be harmful to health.

Vitamin B9 to improve hair condition

If hair problems are caused by a deficiency of this element, to speed up recovery it is recommended to take it orally in tablets and, in addition, add the solution to shampoo, conditioner and masks. You can dilute an ampoule of the product in a jar of shampoo or add a few drops in portions immediately before use. The duration of folic acid therapy for hair depends on the severity of the problem. For example, if they fall out, it will take several months before treatment results appear. But they will become alive and shiny after a month of regular care.

Folic acid is essential for health. Its deficiency leads to disastrous consequences. However, uncontrolled use of the drug and incorrect dosage are harmful to the body. Only a doctor can prescribe this medication. He must explain to the patient how to drink it correctly.