I didn't take folic acid during pregnancy

Most expectant mothers start taking folic acid supplements in the first three months of pregnancy. The purpose of folic acid supplementation is to promote the development of children and prevent developmental failure. However, some pregnant mothers who got pregnant unexpectedly did not know that they were pregnant and did not take folic acid tablets in time. So, what should you do if you get pregnant unexpectedly and don’t have folic acid tablets?

Will not taking folic acid tablets before pregnancy have any impact on the health of the baby?

uncertain!

We say that folic acid should be supplemented in the three months before and after pregnancy in order to avoid the risk of growth defects in the fetus due to lack of folic acid during pregnancy. Generally it is 0.4 to 0.8 mg per day. Ordinary multivitamin tablets or simple folic acid supplements can achieve such an effect.

However, in addition to ordinary folic acid and multivitamin tablets, many of our daily fruits and vegetables are also rich in folic acid tablets. Therefore, if you usually take these, even if you don't take folic acid specifically in the first three months before and after pregnancy, it will not necessarily affect the healthy growth of the child.

But don't take chances. After all, taking folic acid tablets is more effective in preventing fetal defects than not taking them. If you don't take them, you should save them as soon as possible.

What should I do if I get pregnant unexpectedly and don’t have folic acid tablets?

If you have not taken folic acid when preparing for pregnancy, it is recommended to take folic acid tablets as soon as possible in the first 3 months of pregnancy; if you still have not taken folic acid in the first 3 months of pregnancy, you can go to the hospital for a B-ultrasound examination to see if the fetus has neural tube defects. If not, it means that it doesn’t matter much if the pregnant mother did not take folic acid tablets before.

Foods that can supplement folic acid

Fruits and vegetables

Bamboo shoots, broccoli, tomatoes, carrots, vegetables, asparagus, cauliflower, rapeseed, greens, snow peas, bean pods, fungi, etc.

Fresh Fruit

Oranges, strawberry seedlings, cherries, bananas, apples, lemons, peaches, plums, apricots, bayberry wine, crabapple flowers, sour dates, hawthorn fruits, pomegranates, red grapes, kiwis, strawberry seedlings, pears, walnuts, etc.