Is it OK not to take folic acid?

Folic acid is very important for the development of the fetus. It is necessary to supplement some folic acid appropriately in the early stages of pregnancy, because a lack of folic acid can cause fetal malformations and increase the risk of fetal illness. Therefore, attention should be paid to the folic acid content during pregnancy. If a pregnant woman does not take folic acid, she needs to ensure that there is enough folic acid in her body to meet the needs of fetal development, and she needs to understand the effects of folic acid on the fetus.

Is it OK not to take folic acid during pregnancy?

Folic acid is a drug used to prevent neural tube defects in the fetus. It needs to be taken from three months before to three months after pregnancy to effectively prevent it. This is a preventive drug. Of course, it is okay not to take it, but it will increase the chance of getting sick. At present, from the perspective of eugenics, taking folic acid is still very necessary. Therefore, it is recommended to take folic acid on time and in the right amount.

The role and function of folic acid

1. Prevent anemia in pregnant women. The body of pregnant women needs folic acid to produce normal red blood cells. The survey shows that the prevalence of anemia among Chinese women of childbearing age is 20.6%. Insufficient folic acid intake may also cause anemia in pregnant women.

2. Reduce the risk of birth defects in babies. Taking folic acid can reduce the incidence of major external malformations in newborns by 15%, cleft lip and palate by 30%, and congenital heart disease by 35%, thereby reducing the neonatal mortality rate by 20%.

3. Prevent neural tube defects, which are common congenital malformations in newborns in China. If women take the recommended daily dose of folic acid at least one month before conception and during the first three months of pregnancy, they can reduce the risk of neural tube defects in their babies by 50% to 70%.

4. It affects the basic structure of DNA and cells. Therefore, getting enough folic acid is especially important for the rapidly growing placenta and baby.

5. Taking multivitamins containing folic acid can reduce the risk of preeclampsia in pregnant women.