At the time of pregnancy, balanced nutrition plays a crucial role in ensuring both the mother’s and the unborn child’s good health. Among the required nutrients, folic acid ranks as one of the most important vitamins that should be given top priority by every pregnant woman. But Why Folic Acid is Crucial during Pregnancy?
This blog discusses the significance, advantages, and food sources of a healthy pregnancy diet. It also highlights the importance of expert advice from Dietician Avni Kaul, the best nutritionist for pregnant women, in creating a well-balanced pregnancy diet.
Folic acid, or Vitamin B9, is a water-soluble vitamin that is important for cell growth and DNA synthesis. It is an artificial version of folate, which occurs naturally in foods. Because folic acid aids in the rapid cell division and growth needed during pregnancy, it is vital for the proper development of the baby.
One of the most important advantages of folic acid is that it can help prevent neural tube defects (NTDs) in infants.
NTDs are serious birth defects of the brain and spine, including:
Folic acid is critical to the development of the baby’s nervous system. It aids in neural tube formation, which eventually becomes the baby’s brain and spinal cord. Without folic acid in the first few weeks of pregnancy, complications can be dangerous.
Pregnant women with low folic acid levels are more likely to experience premature labor and low birth weight infants. Adequate folic acid consumption aids in fetal development, guaranteeing a healthy birth weight and lowering the risk of delivery complications.
During pregnancy, a woman’s blood volume rises dramatically to sustain the developing fetus. Folic acid assists in the formation of red blood cells, avoiding anemia and providing a sufficient oxygen supply to the mother and baby.
Congenital heart defects are one of the most prevalent congenital disabilities. According to studies, folic acid supplement consumption during pregnancy can prevent congenital heart defects as it helps in the proper development of the cardiovascular system.
Folic acid helps in preventing various complications of pregnancy, such as:
Women should begin taking folic acid at least one month before conception and continue through the first trimester (12 weeks). Nevertheless, most healthcare providers suggest continuing folic acid intake throughout the pregnancy.
Although prenatal supplements are a great source of folic acid, eating natural folate-rich foods is also crucial. Some of the best food sources are:
Natural food sources offer folate, but pregnant women usually cannot get the necessary daily allowance from food. This makes folic acid supplements essential. A pregnancy nutritionist can provide a well-balanced meal plan that incorporates folate from diet and required supplements.
Folic acid is optimal when paired with other key pregnancy nutrients, such as:
A best dietician for pregnancy will instruct expectant mothers on how to best pair these nutrients to provide a balanced diet.
Even with a healthy diet, many women do not receive adequate folate from food sources. Supplements fill in the gaps and provide adequate intake.
While folic acid is essential during early pregnancy, it is also involved in continuing fetal development, the production of red blood cells, and lowering preterm birth risks.
Folic acid is needed even before conception. It aids in the initial growth of the baby, which is why all women of childbearing age are recommended to take 400 mcg every day.
Adequate intake of the correct amount of folic acid is crucial for a healthy pregnancy. Prenatal supplements assist, but eating the right food at the right time is just as essential. Consultation with a nutritionist for pregnant women will ensure adequate intake of folic acid, along with other nutrients.
Dietician Avni Kaul is a well-known nutritionist in Delhi, India, and the founder of Nutri Activania. She is an expert in pregnancy nutrition. She gives customized diet charts to pregnant women to ensure optimal health for the mother and child. She advises women with her expertise to take the best possible nutrition as per their requirements during pregnancy.
If you’re looking for the best dietician for pregnancy, nutritionist Avni Kaul’s insights and meal plans can make a significant difference in ensuring a smooth and healthy pregnancy journey.
Avni Kaul is a leading Dietitian & Nutritionist in Delhi NCR and the Founder of Nutri Activania. She holds a Master's Degree in Food and Nutrition from the University of Delhi and is a Certified Diabetes Educator from Project Hope and the International Diabetes Federation.
Her extensive experience includes serving as a Leicester Mamma's Ambassador, trained in Lactation Counselling with the NHS, United Kingdom.
Ms. Kaul specializes in key areas such as Infant and Young Child Feeding Practices, Pre- and Post-natal Diets, Fat Loss, Muscle Gain, and Holistic Health and Nutrition.
Nutri Activania, founded by Avni Kaul, a leading Dietitian & Nutritionist in Delhi & NCR. Offers personalized, science-based nutrition guidance for holistic health, wellness, fat loss, and nutrition.