Open, throw, water, swallow. Repeat.
Yes, we know. The regular pills, the routine, the aftertaste, sometimes metallic, sometimes bitter, can leave you wondering if it’s really necessary. Do you have to keep taking that folic acid every day, especially when you feel fine?
Many pregnant women have asked the same question. It feels like one more thing on an already long list: eat this, don’t eat that, sleep on your left side, attend your Malaica antenatal visits, take your supplements. But Folic acid isn’t just another pill but an extra layer of protection for your baby’s development. The dangers of skipping on folic acid during pregnancy far outweigh the discomfort of taking the daily tablet.
What Does Folic Acid Do During Pregnancy?
Folic acid, a type of Vitamin B9, plays a key role in the early stages, right from pregnancy week 1. It helps form the neural tube, which becomes your baby’s brain and spinal cord. In case of insufficient folic acid during this crucial period, your baby is at a high chance of developing neural tube defects such as spina bifida, anencephaly, and low birth weight.
Starting your folate intake early enough reduces the risk of these conditions by 50–70%. It doesn’t erase the risk, but it significantly stacks the odds in your baby’s favor.
Best Time to Start Taking Folic Acid for Pregnancy Health
Doctors recommend women of childbearing age take folic acid daily, even before planning to get pregnant. And if you’re actively planning and trying to get pregnant, the best time to start taking the supplement is during preconception.
Most women don’t realize they’re pregnant until those first crucial weeks have passed. The neural tube closes within about 28 days after conception, often before you’ve even seen the two lines on your test kit. Starting your folate intake a few months before conception gives both you and your baby the best possible head start.
What Happens if You Don’t Take Folic Acid During Pregnancy?
Failing to take folic acid, especially during the early days of pregnancy is like building a house with less cement in the foundation. The structure may still stand, but it’s not as strong as it could be. Missing folic acid doesn’t cause instant problems for you, but it can quietly raise risks for your baby.
The benefits of adhering to your folate intake are for both you and your baby. These are some of the roles folic acid so you understand what you’ll be missing:
- Supporting brain and spine development
- Supporting healthy birth weight and growth
- Support the production of red blood cells for the mum
- Prevent certain kinds of anemia for an expectant mum
- Preventing extreme pregnancy fatigue, weakness, and dizziness
Examples of Foods That Are Rich in Folic Acid for Pregnancy
You can find natural folate in a variety of Kenyan foods such as:
- Spinach
- Kale
- Beans
- Oranges
- Avocado
- Fortified grains
While these foods contain folic acid, the challenge is that cooking destroys much of it and our bodies don’t always absorb it well. That’s why your doctor or nurse midwife will recommend supplements on top of a folic-rich diet. The recommended daily dosage of folic acid for women during preconception and pregnancy is 400 micrograms daily.
Related: What to Eat and Avoid During Each Trimester: Advice From a Maternal Health Nutritionist
Signs You’re Not Having Enough Folic Acid During Pregnancy
Insufficient folic acid can have life-long effects on your baby. But before it gets to this, your pregnant body will give you warning signs so you can up your folate. The symptoms often resemble those of anemia, indicating a lack of vitamin B9 to make normal red blood cells.
Common signs of folic acid deficiency when you’re pregnant include:
- Extreme fatigue, tiredness, and lack of energy
- General muscle weakness
- Tongue sores, redness, and ulcers
- Pale skin due to low red blood cells
- Shortness of breath during daily normal tasks
Learn More About Folic Acid at Malaica Maternity Hospital
Think of folic acid as insurance. It doesn’t promise perfection, but it greatly improves your baby’s chances of developing well. One simple swallow each day quietly stacks the odds in your child’s favor, giving both of you a stronger start.
If you’re looking to learn more about folic acid and other essential supplements during pregnancy, Malaica’s Maternity Hospital is here for you. Our antenatal care team includes a nutrition specializing in maternal healthcare so you can get all the expert help you need.
Call us at +254 746 610643 or visit us at 240 General Mathenge Gardens, Westlands to start your antenatal clinic. You can also fill out our online booking form and we’ll call you back.