Prenate - Folic acid

Zhao, Q., Behringer, R.R., Decrombrugghe, B. 1996. Prenatal folic acid treatment suppresses acrania and meroanencephaly in mice mutant for the Cartl homeobox gene. Nat. Genet. 13, 275-283. 

Folic acid supplements are given to pregnant women to decrease the risk of neural tube defects such as spina bifida. Prenatal vitamin preparations that contain higher concentrations of folic acid must be dispensed under a health care worker s guidance because high folate intakes can mask the symptoms of pernicious anemia. 

Hence, women taking antiepileptic drugs should discuss the potential risks with their family members and physician, and consider whether they will continue taking their medication(s).38 If an expectant mother continues to take her medication(s), using one drug (monotherapy) at the lowest effective dose will help reduce the risk of harmful effects on the fetus.1,43 In addition, mothers should receive optimal prenatal care (folic acid supplementation, proper amounts of exercise, rest, and so forth) to help ensure the baby s health.27,43 After delivery, the baby should be monitored initially for drug-related effects such as withdrawal symptoms, and should be subsequently evaluated for developmental delays that might become apparent later in childhood.27... 

It s never too early to start taking a prenatal vitamin when attempting to conceive. If one makes you feel nauseated, keep trying others, as there is a large variety on the market. But be absolutely sure to take one that includes the maximum daily recommended dose of folic acid (important for helping prevent neural tube defects and spina bifida). Organic prenatal vitamins do exist. The main differences between these and more conventional vitamins is that they re vegetarian and include no filler, artificial color, or flavor. 

Get on a prenatal vitamin. There are organic versions that are dye-free and contain fewer and more natural ingredients. Just make sure they have the right dosages of everything you need, especially folic acid to help prevent neural tube defects. 

Folic acid deficiency may result in neural tube defects in newborns. Folic acid is one of the few nutritional supplements shown in clinical trials to be effective in preventing disease. Maternal prenatal supplementation with 400 mg/day folic acid reduced significantly the incidence of neural tube defects in newborns, which indicates that low maternal folate concentrations were associated with these defects. 

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