20/07/2025
Why Every Woman Trying to Conceive Needs to Know About Folic Acid
Folic acid is crucial before and during early pregnancy because the neural tube which later forms your baby's brain and spinal cord develops within the first 3 to 4 weeks of pregnancy, often before a woman even knows she’s pregnant.
That’s why every woman of childbearing age who plans to get pregnant (or even might get pregnant) should take folic acid daily before conception and during early pregnancy. It could help prevent serious birth defects like spina bifida, brain malformations, and even heart or kidney issues in the baby.
What is Folic Acid?
Folic acid is the man-made version of vitamin B9, a vitamin your body needs to make healthy red blood cells, grow and repair cells, and even protect your heart and brain.
In Africa, many women don’t know they need this vitamin until it’s too late. But taking just 400 micrograms (mcg) daily can make a huge difference.
Why It’s So Important
• Many pregnancies in this part of the world are unplanned, which means folic acid isn’t started early enough.
• Common issues like poor diet, malaria, typhoid, and frequent infections can lower your folate levels.
• Some women also have absorption issues (from ulcer, IBD, alcohol use, etc.) that make getting enough folate from food alone difficult.
That’s why folic acid supplements are often recommended even before you see a positive test result.
How Folic Acid Works
It helps your body:
• Prevent anemia by supporting red blood cell production
• Support DNA synthesis and repair
• Protect your baby’s brain and spine from neural tube defects
• Lower high levels of homocysteine (a risk factor for heart disease)
Precautions to Note
• Do not self-medicate high doses. Too much folic acid can mask symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency.
• If you have epilepsy, liver/kidney issues, or you're taking drugs like methotrexate, phenytoin, or sulfasalazine, talk to a doctor before using folic acid.
