Are you pregnant? If so, you may be wondering why everyone is telling you to eat more folate, a B vitamin vital for developing your baby's brain and nervous system.

As per the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) findings, nearly half of all pregnant women in the United States do not get enough folate; this is concerning because folate is most important during the early stages of pregnancy, when many women may not even know they are pregnant.

 

This blog post will discuss seven reasons you should prioritize folate intake during pregnancy. Read on to learn more.

7 Reasons You Should Prioritize Folate Intake During Pregnancy

As we break down these seven primary reasons to prioritize folate, remember each one plays a significant role in your and your baby's health. So, let us explore and unwrap these insights one by one.

1. Folate Helps Prevent Birth Defects

Folate is needed to develop the neural tube properly, which is the precursor to the spinal cord brain.

If the neural tube does not properly develop, it can lead to congenital disabilities such as spina bifida and anencephaly.

Studies have shown that before and during pregnancy, taking a daily dose of 400 micrograms of folic acid can minimize the risk of spina bifida by up to 70%.

2. Folate is Essential For Brain Development

Folate is also essential for the development of your baby's brain. Folate helps to produce myelin, a substance insulating the nerves in the brain. Myelin is necessary for the proper transmission of signals between nerve cells.

Studies have shown that babies whose mothers did not get enough folate during pregnancy are more likely to have cognitive problems later in life.

Getting enough folate during pregnancy can help to ensure that your baby's brain develops appropriately, leading to improved cognitive function, memory, and learning ability later in life.

3. Folate Can Reduce the Risk of Premature Birth and Low Birth Weight

Premature birth is the birth before 37 weeks of pregnancy. Low birth weight is mainly defined as a weight lower than 5 pounds or 8 ounces at birth.

Folate may help to reduce the risk of premature birth and low birth weight by improving placental function. The placenta is an organ for transferring nutrients and oxygen from the mother to the baby.

By improving placental function, folate can help ensure your baby gets the nutrients it needs to grow and develop properly.

4. Folate May Help to Reduce the Risk of Pregnancy Complications

In addition to preventing congenital disabilities, it reduces the risk of premature birth and even low birth weight.

Folate may also help to reduce the other pregnancy complications risk, such as preeclampsia and gestational diabetes. These conditions can be dangerous for both the mother and the baby.

Folate is thought to help reduce the risk of these conditions by improving blood vessel function and reducing inflammation.

5. Folate is Important for Your Own Health

Folate is not just crucial for your baby's health but also for your health. Folate helps to produce RBCs, which carry oxygen to the tissues of your body.

Folate also helps to prevent anaemia, a condition when your body does not have a sufficient supply of healthy red blood cells.

Getting enough folate during pregnancy can help to ensure that you stay healthy and have enough energy to meet the demands of pregnancy.

6. Folate is Easy to Get

Folate is found in many foods, including leafy green vegetables, fruits, beans, and fortified cereals. You can also get folate from prenatal vitamins.

 

The CDC recommends that all pregnant women get 400 micrograms of folate daily. You can get this amount of folate by eating a healthy diet and taking prenatal vitamins.

Here are some tips for getting enough folate:

● Eating enough leafy green vegetables, including spinach, kale, and collard greens.

● Eat many fruits, like oranges, berries, and bananas.

● Eat beans and lentils.

● Choose fortified cereals and breads.

● Take a prenatal vitamin.

Incorporate folate-rich foods or a supplement as your healthcare provider recommends to champion your baby's health.

7. Folate is Affordable

Folate is a relatively affordable nutrient. You can get folate from many foods that are inexpensive and easy to find. Prenatal vitamins are also relatively cheap.

Here are some tips for saving money on folate:

● Buy leafy green vegetables in bulk and freeze them for later use.

● Choose frozen or canned fruits over fresh fruits when they are on sale.

● Buy dry beans and lentils and cook them at home instead of buying canned beans and lentils.

● Look for coupons and discounts on prenatal vitamins.

Remember, prevention is critical, and you have good help with folate. Make it a non-negotiable part of your prenatal routine.

Conclusion

Folate is essential for pregnant women. It is crucial for the development of your baby's brain and nervous system, and it also aids in preventing congenital disabilities such as spina bifida and anencephaly.

The best way to get enough folate during pregnancy is to intake a healthy diet and take prenatal vitamins.

Folate is found in many foods, including leafy green vegetables, fruits, beans, and fortified cereals. Prenatal vitamins are also relatively affordable.

If you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant, prioritize folate intake. It is one of the best things you can do for your baby's health and your own.