The Importance of Folic Acid in Pregnancy - Includes Recipes-By Merrion Ultrasound
Packed with valuable information about folic acid, with a superb introduction from a top lecturer & nutritionist, plus recipes.
Packed with valuable information about folic acid, with a superb introduction from a top lecturer & nutritionist, plus recipes.
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higher risk<br />
groups<br />
If the mother has had a previous baby with a<br />
neural tube defect, it is important to alert the<br />
healthcare pr<strong>of</strong>essional before attempt<strong>in</strong>g<br />
conception.Without the assistance <strong>of</strong> a<br />
pr<strong>of</strong>essional, women <strong>in</strong> this particular<br />
situation are at a higher risk <strong>of</strong> experienc<strong>in</strong>g<br />
another pregnancy complicated by an NTD.<br />
However, the risk can be reduced significantly<br />
by tak<strong>in</strong>g a larger dose <strong>of</strong> folic acid. (1)<br />
Women that have been diagnosed with<br />
diabetes or women tak<strong>in</strong>g anti-seizure<br />
medications for epilepsy are at a higher risk<br />
<strong>of</strong> hav<strong>in</strong>g a baby with an NTD. Seek<strong>in</strong>g the<br />
help <strong>of</strong> a healthcare pr<strong>of</strong>essional at least a<br />
month prior to conception can help reduce<br />
the risk <strong>of</strong> hav<strong>in</strong>g a baby with NTD. A medical<br />
pr<strong>of</strong>essional can recommend the proper<br />
amount <strong>of</strong> folic acid and safely monitor the<br />
condition. (2)<br />
Research has shown that the body absorbs<br />
the synthetic form <strong>of</strong> folic acid easier than<br />
the form that is available naturally <strong>in</strong> foods.<br />
(12) Generally, gra<strong>in</strong> products and enriched<br />
cereals are fortified with the synthetic form.<br />
However, the majority <strong>of</strong> women don’t eat<br />
these types <strong>of</strong> foods enough to depend on<br />
them as the ma<strong>in</strong> source <strong>of</strong> folic acid.<br />
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