For many girls, during the planning period, doctors advise taking certain vitamins, especially folic acid. Consider whether folic acid helps to get pregnant and reviews of moms who have taken it.

Vitamin B9: features and functions

To understand whether folic acid helps to become pregnant, it is enough to study its features, the effect on the body and the processes occurring in it. It is a B-group vitamin - B9. It is essential for the development of the circulatory and immune systems. Contained primarily in plant leaves, some vegetables, nuts and fruits... The amount of vitamin in them can differ significantly.

Vitamin-rich foods

For example, 100 g of a product contains:

• Beans: 300 mcg acid
• Brussels sprouts, walnuts: 130-150 mcg;
• melon, broccoli, hazelnuts: 100-110 mcg;
• strawberries: 60 mcg;
• grapes, oranges: 30-40 mcg.

• improves the absorption of proteins by the body;
• promotes the absorption of sugars and amino acids;
• promotes cell division;
• provides normal hematopoiesis (promotes the formation of leukocytes, platelets, erythrocytes);
• participates in the formation of DNA and RNA, which carry information of a hereditary nature;
• prevents the development of atherosclerosis;
• improves the functioning of the digestive tract;
• reduces the possibility of food poisoning, improves appetite.

Understanding whether it is possible to get pregnant from folic acid, the answer is unequivocal. It has nothing to do with fertilization. That is, in case of problems with conception, she will not be able to help with the problem of infertility or the absence of ovulation. It is prescribed to strengthen the body and prepare it for such a complex gestation process, when the mother's energy reserves are spent on the development of the baby.

Does folic acid help you get pregnant?

Some believe that folic acid helps to get pregnant and that is why it is prescribed to almost all girls who want to conceive a baby. But by contacting a doctor with a question, you can get an exhaustive answer.

Vitamin is prescribed in order to strengthen the immune system and overall health of the body so that the future baby does not get birth defects due to the adverse effects of the environment, the lifestyle of the parents and similar problems.

Folic acid when planning pregnancy

Vitamin B9 prevents the development of anemia, which was discovered almost a hundred years ago. After some research, folic acid supplementation has been shown to reduce the risk of fetal neural tube disease by 70%. And due to the lack of development of certain dangerous diseases that are not compatible with the vital activity of embryos, the vitamin helped to significantly reduce the number of miscarriages.

Complications in the absence of folic acid in a pregnant woman

For the correct course of pregnancy and fetal development, a girl must receive all types of vitamins in normal quantities, incl. and folic acid. Is it possible to get pregnant with a lack of it is not a question. Of course, this is a fairly common occurrence. But with a lack of this vitamin, the risk of some dangerous conditions increases significantly:

• short-term miscarriage;
• frozen pregnancy;
• placental abruption;
• the formation of congenital defects in the embryo.

It is the increased risk of defects in the embryo that requires folic acid intake in order to become pregnant, bear and give birth to a healthy baby. The most common problems of a newborn include:

• neural tube defect;
• anencephaly;
• hypotrophy;
• developmental delay (mental and physical).

Of course, it does not mean at all that with a lack and absence of folic acid in the diet, you can get pregnant and get a lot of problems. Everything is very individual. Just with a small amount of vitamin in the body, the risk of these defects increases.

When considering how to take folic acid to get pregnant, it is worth remembering the individuality of each organism. The level of immunity, the normal development of processes, the production of blood bodies, the characteristics of digestion are very different for each girl. Therefore, the development of the fetus and the possibility of problems occurring are also individual. As far as we remember, even with a lack of vitamin, it is possible to give birth to a completely healthy baby. If there is a desire to minimize the risk of occurrence of the above defects, then they take acid. Experts have confirmed that when the pills are consumed, there are no developmental problems in the fetus.

Vitamin Dosage

It is best to ask your doctor how to drink folic acid to get pregnant and have a healthy baby. He will prescribe an individual dose. If the girl decided to take the pills on her own, it is worth reading the instructions and choosing the optimal scheme. Typically, 0.4 mg daily is considered normal. Often, a doctor can increase this standard, almost twice, after a successful conception.

It is worth remembering that excessive intake does not give a positive result. In particular, taking more than 0.8 mg per day is not recommended. But the assimilation of the vitamin does not occur 100%, and therefore it is impossible to overdo it too much.

How much folic acid to drink to get pregnant with a healthy baby depends on the doctor's instructions. But this vitamin is not accumulated. If you stop taking it, then its content in the body will decrease.

It is recommended to start drinking it 3 months before the expected time of conception. But couples do not always manage to get pregnant quickly. In this case, the girls continue to drink pills until conception and after. But if fertilization is delayed, the dose is usually reduced. The main thing is to provide a sufficient vitamin content.

If you do not want to take pills for so long, you can do without them. Vitamin can be obtained from foods and vegetables that contain it. The effectiveness of the acid is difficult to confirm, because it is simply impossible to find out if a newborn could have defects if the mother did not receive the vitamin. But it is known that folic acid helps to get pregnant (reviews of girls confirm) and reproduce healthy babies on time.

Doctors prescribe folic acid to get pregnant with a healthy baby, especially for women, but men are often advised to take it as well. This is explained quite simply. The lack of vitamin in the male body affects the motility, quality and quantity of sperm. Men are prescribed pills, of course, only if such problems are found. But if you wish, you can drink pills during the planning period.

Do not forget about the deterioration of the environment, not always a healthy lifestyle, problems with the stomach or intestines, congenital diseases. All this can lead to problems during conception.

For many young (and not so) couples, the issue of procreation is very acute today. It is much more difficult for a modern woman to get pregnant, bear and give birth to a healthy baby than, say, her grandmother. It is possible to correct the situation in reproductive health clinics, but women resort to IVF only as a last resort. Many people believe in folk remedies, sit on special "fertility diets", measure basal temperature and drink folic acid to get pregnant. The latter method is recommended today even by gynecologists. Let's see if folic acid really helps you get pregnant.

Effects of folic acid on conception

Folic acid, or vitamin B9, or folacin, is indispensable for the normal functioning of the body. It participates in protein metabolism, supports immunity, improves the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, promotes the production of "happiness hormones" and normal blood formation. But the main thing is that folic acid plays an important role in the synthesis of DNA, which, as you know, is the carrier of hereditary information. Folacin is essential for the formation of healthy eggs in a woman's body and motile sperm in a male body.

Scientists have proven another interesting fact: the action of vitamin B9 is very similar to the action of the female sex hormones estrogen. Therefore, folic acid is often prescribed in the absence of menstruation.

Folic acid when planning pregnancy

Doctors cannot yet explain how folic acid affects conception and helps with infertility. And folic acid is not recommended because it helps to get pregnant. It's all about the ability of folacin to prevent severe fetal malformations (hydro- and anencephaly, hernia of the brain, spina bifida and cleft lip). These deviations occur in the earliest stages of pregnancy (16-28 days after conception), when the expectant mother may not know about her new position. Meanwhile, almost every second woman suffers from a lack of vitamin B9, therefore gynecologists recommend starting taking folic acid already at the stage of preparation for pregnancy, at least 2-3 months before the expected conception.

In addition, the body's need for folic acid before pregnancy increases if you:

• are taking oral contraceptives;
• have epilepsy, diabetes or gastrointestinal problems;
• are on a protein diet or are deficient in plant foods;
• drink alcohol.

Despite the fact that folic acid enters the body with food, and is also synthesized in small quantities in the intestines, we almost always experience a lack of it. This is why doctors recommend taking at least 0.8 mg of folic acid per day before conception. This dose covers the daily requirement of the body of the expectant mother for vitamin B9.

To increase your chances of success, you can and should include foods rich in folic acid in your diet: wholemeal bread, spinach, parsley, lettuce, green peas, beans, liver, citrus fruits, broccoli, nuts, pumpkin. However, most (up to 90%) of vitamin B9 is destroyed during heat treatment, therefore it is necessary to additionally take medications containing folic acid. This can be a prenatal multivitamin or regular folate tablets.

Do not be afraid of an overdose: to seriously harm the body, you need to drink at least 30 folacin tablets at a time. Even if the dose is slightly exceeded, the vitamin is excreted from the body without any consequences. However, if you are deficient in vitamin B12, be careful and adhere to the dosage precisely.

Experts recommend that expectant parents think about their state of health even during pregnancy planning. What is it for? The lack of useful compounds in the body is reflected in the intrauterine development of the embryo. In particular, folic acid deficiency negatively affects the formation of organs and important systems of the fetus.

To carry out a kind of preparation of the body for conception, both parents need to take folic acid (other names - folacin or vitamin B9) in the recommended dose. The use of folic acid helps to get pregnant faster, and also makes it possible to carry a healthy child without pathologies.

Why is it necessary to take folic acid before conception?

Folic acid is involved in many functions and processes in the human body. With her help:

• cell division occurs, as well as the synthesis of DNA and RNA;
• the functioning of the digestive system improves;
• a sufficient level of hemoglobin is maintained;
• vessels become more elastic;
• hormonal levels return to normal;
• the protective functions of the body are enhanced;
• other nutrients and vitamins are properly absorbed;
• the psychoemotional state is normalized;
• reproductive function improves, which allows you to get pregnant faster.

It is better for both partners to take vitamin B9, because when cells with male and female chromosomes merge during conception, the embryo receives the basic foundation for its further development. Studies have shown that folic acid, when planning pregnancy, reduces the risks of occurrence by several tens of times:

• placental abruption;
• miscarriage;
• deviations in the formation of nerve cells;
• fading;
• oxygen starvation;
• other developmental anomalies.

How long does it take for the body to prepare for pregnancy? You should start taking folic acid regularly 90 days before conception.

In order for a woman to become pregnant without developing complications in the future, you need to drink folic acid systematically. Adequate folacin levels contribute to normal egg development. Also, the substance helps to increase the penetrating ability of sperm.

The indications for taking folic acid are:

• anemia;
• postoperative period;
• malnutrition;
• prevention of violations of fetal anomalies.

Foods Containing Folic Acid

Folic acid may not be needed for conception, provided the parents-to-be adhere to the basics of a healthy lifestyle. A suitable diet will help replenish the supply of nutrients. What food is right for people planning a pregnancy? B9 is found in foods such as:

• spinach, parsley, mint, lettuce;
• beans and peas;
• milk, cottage cheese, hard cheese;
• eggs;
• trout, perch;
• pork, lamb, poultry;
• kidneys, liver;
• nuts (walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts).

In addition to herbs and cereals, B9 is found in dried apricots, melon, beets, mushrooms, pumpkin, grapefruit, turnips, bananas. For example, a plate of buckwheat porridge with fresh milk or 200 ml of natural juice from orange or grapefruit will fill half the required daily dose of the substance. In case of disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, the body does not have enough folic acid, therefore, in such situations, doctors prescribe an additional intake of pharmacy vitamins.

At the planning stage of the baby, specialists, as a rule, prescribe folic acid to the expectant mother and father in pure form or in combination with other vitamins. On the pharmaceutical market there is a wide selection of such drugs, which differ in the manufacturer's company, composition and concentration of active ingredients.

Some types of folic acid preparations are described in the table:

In addition to pills and capsules, the vitamin is also available in the form of powder and injections for injections. In order to prevent vitamin B9 deficiency in the body, it is usually recommended to take the substance in the form of tablets and capsules. In case of an acute shortage of an element, specialists can prescribe injections or take Folacin in a dosage of 5 mg.

Instructions for use before conception

Many people wonder why take folic acid before conception and how many tablets should you drink at one time? The daily dosage of folacin is 0.4 mg. It is considered preventive, not curative, and is adjusted by the doctor individually. During pregnancy or the presence of any disease, the daily dose of the substance, as a rule, increases.

Experts advise starting taking vitamin B9 three to four months before conception. This will help the woman's body to accumulate a sufficient amount of the substance, which in the future will have a positive effect on the process of fertilization of the egg and bearing the child.

It is most convenient to take the drug in the dosage prescribed by the doctor, although capsules containing 1 mg of the active substance can be easily divided into two doses. An overdose of folic acid is unlikely, because the excess amount of the substance is excreted from the body along with urine. It is necessary to take the tablets after meals, once or twice a day.

If you drink folic acid before meals, the acidity of the stomach increases and its mucous membrane becomes irritated. Taking folacin with food does not affect the absorption of nutrients in the best way. This is due to the fact that vitamin B9 forms an insoluble compound, including zinc.

Contraindications for admission

Contraindications are listed in each instruction sheet for preparations containing folic acid. The latter include:

• individual intolerance to the substance;
• malignant tumors;
• violation of iron metabolism (hemochromatosis);
• pernicious anemia (problems with the absorption of vitamin B12);
• lack of cobalamin in the body;
• childhood;
• hemosiderosis (excessive accumulation of iron in tissues);
• allergic reaction.

In some cases, the body may not metabolize folacin. This often happens if a woman:

• smokes;
• consumes alcoholic beverages;
• does not get enough sleep;
• is often in stressful situations;
• takes medications containing hormones.

Also, the simultaneous use of certain drugs and folic acid is contraindicated, since this contributes to the rapid elimination of the vitamin from the body. These medications include:

• pain relievers;
• antibiotics;
• antacids;
• cytostatic agents;
• cholestyramine;
• anticonvulsants;
• acetylsalicylic acid;
• contraceptives;
• glucocorticoids;
• nitrofurans.

Vitamin B9 has no toxic effect on the human body. In case of violations of the prescribed dosage or prolonged use of the drug, side reactions are possible in the form of:

• rashes;
• allergies;
• hyperthermia;
• disruption of the digestive tract;
• imbalance in kidney function;
• anemia;
• increased excitability;
• spasm of the bronchi.

Why should a man take folic acid too?

Folic acid is important not only for women, but also for men. Lack of vitamin B9 in the male body provokes the development of megaloblastic type anemia and infertility. With an insufficient level of substance, sperm motility and their total number decrease.

Folacin deficiency does not have the best effect on the structure of male semen. Sperm cells can differ in the wrong set of chromosomes, which leads to abnormal development of the fetus during pregnancy. They can be unnaturally shaped, with or without a short tail.

Deficiency of vitamin B9 in men provokes the development of hereditary pathologies in the fetus:

• Down syndrome;
• epilepsy;
• schizophrenia.

Dads-to-be should be aware of the fact that pregnancy planning is an important step that needs to be taken seriously. The health of the unborn child depends on this, therefore, if the doctor recommends the use of vitamins, this must be done. Taking folic acid prior to conception contributes to:

• increasing the likelihood of conceiving a healthy child;
• reducing the appearance of fetal mutations at the gene level;
• increased sperm motility;
• reduction in the number of male semen with structural defects.

Folic acid is one of the most important substances for the body. The component has an effect on the state reproductive system, therefore, its lack can cause the lack of conception.

This substance is not produced by the body on its own, therefore, its supply can only be replenished with special drugs and food.

• a decrease in the number with an incorrect set of chromosomes;
• prevention of congenital pathologies in the future fetus;
• increased activity and penetrating ability.

Among women

Folic acid for the female body is necessary not only to replenish the supply of nutrients, but also for preparing for a potential pregnancy... The lack of this component poses a threat of serious fetal pathologies that may be incompatible with its life or full development.

The vitamin has a beneficial effect on the nervous system, which is of particular importance during pregnancy. The benefit of the component for a woman lies in the following factors:

• reducing risk;
• normalization of the education process and;
• improving the general condition of the body;
• reducing the risk of congenital abnormalities in the fetus;
• strengthening the placenta and excluding its detachment during gestation;
• improved appetite and psycho-emotional state;
• reducing the risk of miscarriage.

How to use?

In most cases, folic acid is prescribed for couples several months before potential conception. The substance can be destroyed under the influence of some negative factors.

Therefore, the course of admission must be combined with lifestyle changes and. Experts recommend giving up. Tobacco smoke is considered the most active destroyer of this component.

The dosage and duration of folic acid intake are prescribed by your doctor. For prophylaxis, drugs with this substance must be taken in dosage 400 mcg per day.

If a critical shortage of this component is revealed in the organisms of future parents, then the period of admission and daily dosages increase.

ON A NOTE! Folic acid preparations, depending on the manufacturer, may have different dosages. This information must be taken into account.

Man

If a man has a large number of dead or other abnormalities in sperm composition, then to eliminate this condition, doctors may strongly recommend taking folic acid.

You must start the course at least three months before potential conception. In some cases, vitamin E is additionally prescribed to future fathers. The combination of folic acid with this substance has a powerful healing effect on the male reproductive system.

Woman

It is recommended for expectant mothers to start taking vitamin B9 at least 3 months in advance before . The need to replenish the stock of this component may be prescribed earlier if the woman is over 35 years old or has had miscarriages or difficult labor. In such cases, the reception must be carried out six months before conception and continue until

Nuances of admission:

• at the stage, women are advised to take folic acid in a dosage 400 mcg per day;
• the daily dosage for expectant mothers can be increased to 5 mg if there are special indications;
• the dosage can be changed and increased in the presence of some obvious deviations caused by a critical lack of a component in the body.

REFERENCE! In some cases, folic acid can provoke an allergic reaction or other side effects. When they appear, taking the pills should be stopped and consult a specialist.

Despite the fact that folic acid is very important for the reproductive system, and it is imperative to replenish its supply both potential parents, the recommended dosages cannot be exceeded. An excess of this substance can cause the development of hypervitaminosis. This condition will also negatively affect the body of the expectant mother as a whole.

Folic acid not only takes an active part in the process of fetal formation, but also has a significant effect on the body of women and men during pregnancy planning. But what is this influence?

Folic acid is a substance that a woman needs not only during pregnancy, but also at the planning stage.

This vitamin does not accumulate in the human body, and therefore should be consumed regularly. However, like any medicine, it is under the supervision of a doctor.

Folic acid is also called vitamin B9, and it takes an active part in a variety of body processes. This substance is indispensable for maintaining the integrity of the DNA structure, for cell growth, for the proper functioning of the immune and cardiovascular systems.

Folic acid is involved in the synthesis of amino acids and plays a significant role in hematopoiesis. And so much so that if the vitamin is not enough, people may develop anemia.

For women during pregnancy, this is an extremely important substance, since it reduces the risk of miscarriage, prevents the occurrence of pathologies in the child and postpartum depression in the mother. Vitamin prevents premature birth, and is also responsible for the formation of the placenta.

And during the period of gestation, a woman needs folic acid in a much larger amount than usual. However, according to medical statistics, every second of expectant mothers lacks this vitamin.

Does folic acid help you get pregnant?

This is not to say that folic acid is a kind of panacea that gives 100% success in conception.

But it is of great importance at the planning stage of pregnancy for both women and men.

The fact is that this vitamin reduces the risk of anovulation cycle by at least a third - this is directly related to the chance of getting pregnant.

In addition, folic acid:

• directly involved in the synthesis of nucleic and amino acids, which are required for the production of a healthy egg, ready for fertilization;
• necessary for the direct formation of the fetus and its correct development later;
• has a positive effect on the mother's central nervous system and promotes the absorption of other B vitamins.

For men during pregnancy planning, folic acid is needed to:

• healthy potency was preserved, in which the vitamin, being a necessary component of the hematopoiesis process, takes an active part;
• the continuity of the cycle of formation of germ cells was maintained, which has a positive effect on the genetic health of the future father;
• the penetrating ability and motility of spermatozoa increased.

With all of this in mind, folate can actually be said to help get pregnant, although it is not a key factor.

Application to get pregnant

The drug can be used both in dosage form and from food. But before better to do the research, which will reveal whether there is a lack of vitamin, and in what quantity it needs to be replenished.

And since folic acid does not accumulate in the body, but is consumed with great activity (excess is constantly excreted), you need to start using the vitamin at least 3 months before the planned date of conception.

IMPORTANT! In order for the substance to be actively absorbed, at the stage of pregnancy planning, parents need to give up bad habits, limit the intake of hormonal drugs and antibiotics, and cure gastrointestinal diseases. Otherwise, no matter how much vitamin is taken, there will be no effect.

Instructions for use for conception

IMPORTANT! The exact dosage and the possibility of taking the drug, taking into account the characteristics of your body, can only be prescribed by a doctor.

Both men and women need to consider the following: despite the fact that folic acid is also found in foods, its bioavailability for the body is low. Those. if you take the vitamin only from food, it is less absorbed and excreted faster.

Therefore, when planning pregnancy, both parents should use this substance in dosage form - this way it is absorbed faster in the gastrointestinal tract.

For women, the required daily dosage of the vitamin before conception is 400 mcg, after conception - 500-600 mcg.

For men, the daily dose of folic acid should be between 700 and 1000 mcg. And you need to take it as an additive to your daily diet.

The dosage form of the vitamin is available in pharmacies, produced by both domestic and foreign manufacturers. When buying, be sure to pay attention to the dosage.

Folic acid in tablets is very quickly destroyed by light and has a high hygroscopicity, therefore, the rules for its storage must be carefully observed. If they have been violated, you cannot take the medicine!

Overdose

An overdose of folic acid can occur with both severe and latent symptoms. Explicit symptoms look like this:

• there is nausea and vomiting;
• gas formation increases;
• discomfort more and more often appear in the stomach and intestines;
• from the side of the central nervous system, psychomotor agitation and insomnia develops;
• the occurrence of allergic reactions with skin manifestations is possible;
• there is a possibility of B12-deficiency anemia.

Hidden signs of folic acid overdose affect the baby, he is born with:

• visual impairment;
• reduced cognitive abilities - then they will develop more slowly than in healthy children;
• a tendency to bronchial asthma, obesity and eczema.

Considering all of the above, it is understandable why it is so important to observe the daily dose of the vitamin and in no case exceed it.

ATTENTION! It is forbidden to drink folic acid with the simultaneous use of cytostatics, anticonvulsants, antibiotics and medicines to reduce the acidity of the stomach.

With infertility

Vitamin B9 does not cure infertility, this must be understood. However, it plays a huge role in helping treatment, as it affects not only DNA, RNA, amino acid production, etc., but also immunity.

Folic acid strengthens and strengthens the immune system of a woman's body, which makes it possible to more effectively and quickly cope with diseases and pathologies that have caused infertility. In addition, taking the vitamin increases the chance of developing a healthy egg.

Folic acid fights disorders in men spermatogenesis, increases the number of spermatozoa capable of fertilization and improves their quality. And also this substance is able to influence the amount of sperm produced, making it larger.

So, vitamin B9 is able, though not to cure, but significantly help both spouses in the therapy of infertility.

Natural sources

The table below lists the foods with the highest amounts of folate.

In addition, asparagus, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, flax and bird eggs are high in vitamin.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we can say that vitamin B9, although not a panacea for problems with conception, is necessary for both future parents, and a woman needs it during lactation.

This substance can greatly increase the chances of conception, prevent pathologies in the development of the fetus, strengthen the health of both the expectant mother and the future father.

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