If your baby is on the way, you will already know that your diet is essential to ensure your good health. The fetus receives the nutrients it needs to develop properly through what you eat. Therefore, you are responsible for following a balanced and complete diet to travel this path in the most healthy way together. One of the most frequent dietary supplements during pregnancy is folic acid, since its consumption favors the good development of the child. Discover what are the benefits that will bring you during pregnancy!

Why is folic acid beneficial during pregnancy?

Women who consume the recommended amount of folic acid, before and during the first months of pregnancy, reduce the risk of a premature birth or some type of disorder in the child. In this sense, several studies have determined that the effects of their lack in this process not only highlight the risks they pose to the mother, but also make a series of recommendations to follow in order to prevent such situations.

This recommendation extends even to the period before conception. It is advisable that those women who are planning and seeking to become pregnant begin taking a folic acid supplement of 0.4 mg per day at least one month before. Once this phase is over, the woman should continue to consume the supplement during the first trimester.

Its correct consumption promotes the synthesis of DNA (which contains the genetic information for the development of the organism) and RNA (essential for the development of structural proteins and cell growth). In addition, it facilitates the synthesis of methionine from homocysteinemia. That is, its deficit increases the risk of heart and chronic diseases.

Foods that contain folic acid

Luckily, the Mediterranean diet usually guarantees the body a sufficient supply of folic acid. However, it is not enough to have adequate food. It is necessary to bear in mind that this vitamin, due to its low stability if exposed to high temperatures, loses its value. This is the reason why, in addition to your contribution in the diet, a supplement prescribed by your doctor is advised.

Foods rich in folic acid are green leafy vegetables, such as spinach, broccoli, chard, asparagus ... Legumes and whole grains are also a rich source of this vitamin. On the other hand, the fruits where we can find this content are the strawberry, the orange, the melon and the banana.

Now that you are informed about the case, it is advisable that you go to the experts to assess what your needs are. Prevent any mishap and live your pregnancy healthily!