In order to conceive and give birth to a healthy child, the excellent condition of the organism of his parents: both women and men is very important. But nowadays, when it is difficult to find quality products, and everyone faces stress and overwork on a regular basis, it is almost impossible to find people without health problems. Therefore, if a pregnancy is planned, it is necessary to undergo an examination and find out what needs to be corrected.

In most cases, couples who want to give birth to a child are prescribed vitamin complexes, which include folic acid. Sometimes it is even used to treat infertility, while both women and men drink it. How does folic acid help you get pregnant? What does it affect? What rules for taking this drug must be followed in order to achieve the desired result?

Action on the body

Folic acid belongs to group B vitamins. It is necessary for the implementation of the most important processes and the proper absorption of other vitamins, therefore it is consumed very quickly. This substance is not produced in the human body, therefore it must necessarily come from the outside.

Why folic acid is needed:

• For the correct production of genetic material, synthesis of DNA and RNA, prevention of mutations, healthy cell division.
• For the regulation of all life stages of germ cells.
• Strengthens the immune system.
• It is necessary to accelerate and correct various metabolic processes. Helps assimilate various amino acids and carbohydrates. It can act as an enzyme.
• Participates in hematopoiesis, especially in the formation of erythrocytes, which is the prevention of anemia and oxygen starvation of tissues.
• Necessary for the formation and functioning of the nervous system. Its deficiency causes many problems with the functioning of the brain and peripheral nerves in both adults and children.
• Maintains optimal homocysteine \u200b\u200blevels, which is an excellent prevention of heart disease.

Keeping track of folate levels in the body is important for everyone who wants to be healthy. But this is especially important before conceiving a child. Vitamin is found in some foods (greens, meat, fish, almonds, some vegetables, eggs, etc.), but usually this is not enough and there is a need to take folic acid purchased at a pharmacy.

For women

Any woman before pregnancy, while carrying a baby, as well as during the entire period of breastfeeding, should take folic acid. In what doses it should be done, and how often to drink this drug, only a doctor can decide, but in any case, it is very dangerous to ignore the need to take it.

Possible consequences of a deficiency of folic acid in the female body:

1. Metabolic disorders, including those that lead to hormonal imbalance.
2. Lack of adequate absorption of vitamin B12. This leads to severe anemia. A weakened body cannot provide nutrition for its own organs, moreover, it is not able to perform high-quality reproductive function.
3. Oocyte development is impaired. They either do not mature at all, or are defective, which cannot be fertilized. In the case of fertilization of such an egg, a miscarriage occurs or a child with developmental defects is born.
4. During pregnancy, without folic acid, neither the baby's body system nor the placenta can form properly, which can also lead to spontaneous abortion.
5. The work of the nervous system of the mother suffers greatly and the brain of the fetus is formed incorrectly. With a slight deficit, there will be no defects, but the baby can be very nervous and crying.

As you can see, the consequences are very serious, because they can even cost a child's life, so it is important to start taking the drug on time. Moreover, it is relatively inexpensive and is sold in any pharmacy.

For men

Often, men are surprised when they are told that for conception and proper development of the fetus, they need to drink the medicine. But if you do not forget the fact that half of the genetic material and one of the two cells that must meet in order for the embryo to form are formed in the male body, everything becomes clear.

For men, the dosage of folic acid is usually 2 times less than for women. This is due to the fact that it is necessary only for one organism, and in the female it is also spent on the development of the fetus.

What folic acid does for conception if a man drinks it:

1. Corrects cell division, in particular, all processes associated with the transfer of genetic information. This significantly reduces the risk of changes in the number of chromosomes, mutations that can make male germ cells incapable of fertilization, or manifest malformations in the fetus.
2. There are more sperm cells, especially if you also drink vitamin E with folic acid. They are viable and mobile.
3. The protective membrane of the sperm is strengthened, which makes their penetrating ability. The risk of their death is significantly reduced long before meeting with the egg.

It has been noticed that many cases of infertility in men are associated precisely with a deficiency of folic acid. This is especially often the case with malnutrition, which is combined with bad habits, stress, physical overload. Sometimes folic acid deficiency in men is so pronounced that it can be noticed without going to a doctor.

A person notices such signs:

• Constant irritability.
• Fast fatiguability.
• Nervousness.
• Decreased appetite.
• Weakness.
• Difficulty concentrating.
• Low hemoglobin levels.
• Pale skin.
• Difficulty memorizing information, everything is quickly forgotten.
• Working capacity has sharply decreased.
• Interest in the opposite sex may decrease significantly.

If a man has such symptoms, and they are combined with infertility, it is imperative to consult regarding the dosage of folic acid. In case of acute deficiency, large quantities of the drug or complex treatment may be needed.

Folic acid is very much consumed by the body and is quickly excreted from it. In addition, it is very sensitive to the effects of many factors. Therefore, it is important for both men and women to know how to drink this drug correctly so that the birth of a healthy baby becomes a reality.

Doctor's advice on how to take folic acid:

1. Dosage. You need to drink as many tablets as your doctor has prescribed. Reducing the dose may lead to the fact that a slight deficit remains, and the desired result will not be achieved - the conception of a healthy child. Overdose is unlikely, but also unsafe.
2. Combination with other medicines. If you are taking any medication, be sure to tell the doctor who prescribes folic acid for you. This is important because it cannot be combined with some medications. Or, you may need to change the dosage.
3. Bad habits. Nicotine and alcohol destroy folic acid and disrupt its absorption in the body. If you do not give up bad habits, it is unlikely that you will be able to conceive a healthy baby, even if you drink huge doses of vitamins. Stress, lack of sleep, and depression also greatly affect the effectiveness of treatment.
4. It is necessary to start drinking pills at least 3 months before the start of pregnancy. So the body will have time to improve its health and begin to correctly perform the reproductive function.
5. The presence of chronic gastrointestinal diseases. If the gastrointestinal tract does not work properly, folic acid may simply not be absorbed, regardless of how much it will be drunk. Therefore, you need to try, as much as possible, to improve your digestive system.

It is important to remember that folic acid is only effective for fertility when taken correctly. This means that both future parents need to eat right, lead a healthy lifestyle and take a course of vitamins.

Recent studies support the claim that folic acid can help you get pregnant. Women who take daily multivitamins that contain this element are more likely to become pregnant.

Research results of specialists

Folic acid has long been known for its unique properties. One of them is the prevention of abnormalities in the development of the fetus. But scientists were also able to establish the fact that taking folic acid when planning a pregnancy contributes to the conception of a child.

The study, to which scientists recruited more than 18,000 women, showed that all multivitamins - and especially folic acid - clearly improve fertility in women (their fertility). Those girls who regularly took vitamins had a 40% lower risk of encountering the problem of "not maturing the egg" - a common cause of female infertility.

During the planning period of pregnancy, the most favorable conditions inside the body for the development of the fetus should be created in advance. And folic acid helps a woman in this no less than a healthy lifestyle and proper nutrition.

Why is this vitamin so important?

At the beginning of pregnancy, the development of the embryo always begins with one cell, however, gradually this number increases to one hundred billion. And vitamin B9 is very important for the growth and normal development in the body of constantly replacing cells of various tissues and organs.

The importance of vitamin B9 for hematopoiesis is especially noticeable. Folic acid is also important for the normal functioning of the nervous, immune and systems. For example, already at 2-3 weeks, the embryo develops a structure - it is on its basis that the central nervous system of the unborn child will be formed. And for its successful development, you will need the same vitamin B9.

When should you start taking?

Since many women do not suspect the beginning of pregnancy for the first 2-3 weeks, the intake of vitamin B9 should be started in advance. That is, it is necessary to take folic acid when planning a pregnancy. In this case, the future fetus will be fully provided with vitamin B9, vital for it, from the very first days.

And it is advisable to start taking this vitamin immediately after you stop using oral contraceptives.

What dosage should be?

According to WHO recommendations, the average daily intake of vitamin B9 for adolescents and adults is about 400 mcg. When a woman plans to become pregnant, the need for this vitamin increases by almost 50% and is about 600 mcg.

It is important to remember that folic acid cannot be produced by the body on its own, therefore it is necessary to systematically replenish its reserves with the help of a varied diet.

Foods containing vitamin B9

If you want to get pregnant as soon as possible, you should ensure yourself the correct diet. And since for this you need to consume as much vitamin B9 as possible, pay attention to the following foods:

• beef liver;
• green vegetables such as broccoli, spinach, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts
• egg yolk;
• legumes;
• asparagus;
• various whole grains.
• Fruits - especially oranges, mangoes, and bananas.

On the list of even the most common recipes, there are many dishes that contain folic acid.

Cooking

When preparing dishes, it should be remembered that vitamin B9 is very sensitive to heat treatment, therefore, it is important to pay attention to certain points:

1. Prepare meals exclusively from fresh products, because with long-term storage, the amount of vitamins in them decreases.
2. Folic acid dissolves quite easily and quickly in water, and is also sensitive to high temperatures. Therefore, do not keep food in water for too long, and do not cook it over high heat.
3. In order for your body to get more of the vitamins contained in vegetables, it is best to eat foods without any heat treatment.

Folic acid is really important for conception. And, in order to get its daily rate, it is also recommended to take it as part of individual vitamin supplements and complexes.

When planning a pregnancy, it is very important to have a sufficient amount of folic acid in the body. In another way, this element is called vitamin B9 or folacin. It is essential for productive conception and bearing a healthy child. Let's consider in more detail how to take folic acid when planning a pregnancy, how much is required, what it affects and whether it is so necessary.

Folic acid requirement

Parents-to-be should definitely know why vitamins with folic acid are needed when planning a pregnancy. In this case, the vitamin is necessary for both the male and female sex. The main functions of folic acid include:

• Enhanced assimilation and decomposition of proteins;
• Important participation in cell division;
• The ability to improve appetite;
• Ability to normalize blood formation;
• Participation in the formation of DNA and RNA;
• Prevention of atherosclerosis;
• Protection of the body from various poisonings;
• Support of the immune system;
• Improving the activity of the gastrointestinal tract;
• Helping with the good assimilation of other elements that are necessary for the successful development of the fetus.

Now let's take a closer look at what folic acid affects in the female and male body.

Necessity for the female

For the female body, folic acid is required both before conception and after it... If this element is not enough during pregnancy, then this can provoke the following problems:

Necessity for the male

Next, consider whether men need vitamin B9 and what the deficiency of this element affects. The male gender also needs folic acid during planning future baby. After all, if they do not have enough of it in the body, then the girl may not be able to get pregnant at all. What does vitamin B9 affect in men:

• reduces the number of inferior, low-quality sperm... This reduces the risk of developing serious pathologies in the fetus;
• the chance of conceiving a baby without any deviations and with good health increases several times;
• increases movable and penetrating function sperm.

From the foregoing, it is clear that folic acid is simply necessary during pregnancy planning for both the female and male body. Quite often, couples with a lack of vitamin B9 cannot conceive a child. And also 80% of pathological abnormalities associated with the nervous system in unborn babies directly depends on the sufficient presence of this element.

Therefore, to avoid the risk of serious diseases, future parents should saturate the body with the necessary amount of folacin long before conception. To do this, you can drink either medications or more foods that are saturated with this vitamin.

What foods contain B9?

Folic acid is found in most foods. A huge amount of it is in almost all nuts... And also green vegetables and leaves of various plants are saturated with vitamin B9. The following products are slightly inferior in the content of this element:

Folic acid also predominates in juices from apricots and oranges, in yak groats and low-grade or coarse flour.

Vitamin B9 is also found in food of animal origin. They are rich in fish, liver, pork, beef, lamb and chicken, as well as eggs. This element is also observed in all dairy products.

But almost all animal products are heat-treatable. As a result 90% of folic acid disappears... If a person rarely eats food of plant origin, then the body begins to lack folacin. Therefore, it is recommended to use food supplements or vitamin complexes.

We use it correctly

In the first 4 weeks of pregnancy, many organs begin to form in the baby. Most women during this period are not yet aware of conception, so it is very important to provide vitamins to the nascent baby. At this stage, the child simply needs a B9 vitamin. The female body needs folic acid from the very first days of pregnancy. It is needed to shape healthy placenta.

It follows from this that pregnancy should always be planned and the body should be provided with all useful vitamins long before it. Folic acid is not a storage element, so it constantly need to replenish... Doctors recommend taking folic acid for all women who want to have a healthy baby in the future. At the same time, do not forget that this vitamin is needed not only by the female body, but also by the male. After all, its lack has a negative effect on sperm, namely their mobility.

If a couple is serious about pregnancy, then she signs up for a consultation with a specialist. He, in turn, assigns both expectant parents to start drinking folic acid three months before the desired date of the act of conception. Doctors believe that such a period is necessary for the human body to make up for all the deficiencies in folacin.

Dosage

Let's take a closer look at how to drink folic acid when planning a pregnancy and how much is required. The amount of medication needed will depend on the individual characteristics of each person. People who abuse alcoholic beverages have a serious deficiency of folic acid, have intestinal disorders, rarely use herbs and vegetables, as well as women who constantly take hormonal medications.

It is advisable that the dosage of vitamin B9 is prescribed by a specialist. The average dose of this element for a planned pregnancy is about 400 mgq. During the direct bearing of the baby, this the dose is doubled... It should be understood that the excess in folic acid can lead to unpleasant consequences. True, an overdose of this vitamin practically does not occur. After all, in order to allow this, a person will have to drink more than 30 folin tablets.

There are different types of pills and vitamin complexesin which folic acid is found in different dosages. It is necessary to take into account the percentage of vitamin B9 in other medications for pregnant women. The lack of this element must be accurately indicated by the attending physician.

In some cases, the prophylactic dose is increased to a woman. Usually the dosage is 1 tablet 1 to 4 times a day, or 2 tablets may be prescribed twice a day. At the same time, a pregnant woman needs to drink vitamin B9 during the entire time of gestation, or only in the first phase.

Usually, a high dosage is prescribed in the first weeks of pregnancy. This vitamin is best absorbed when a person eats a large meal.

Folic acid preparations

Consider which medications contain folic acid and which of them can be taken during pregnancy.

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 become 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 to get pregnant.

Effects of folic acid on conception

Folic acid, or vitamin B9, or folacin, is essential 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

To explain how folic acid affects conception and helps with infertility, doctors cannot yet. 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.

How much folate do you need for conception?

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 the 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 tablets of folacin 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.

Perhaps any couple wishing to conceive a baby knows about a vitamin called folic acid. Moreover, gynecologists strongly advise starting a course of vitamin B9 (another name for "folk") just before pregnancy. With its help, the female body prepares for conception.

Vitamin for fertilization

What is the dosage for women to take folic acid for conception when planning a pregnancy? This issue requires detailed consideration.

Modern women deliberately prepare for the appearance of crumbs (read the article about). Following the doctor's recommendations, they undergo a medical examination and. Regardless of their results, the gynecologist will advise you to drink folic acid when planning a pregnancy.

A woman planning to conceive a baby should make it an integral part of her life. It is important to use medicines that contain synthetic vitamins and eat foods rich in natural trace elements. Conception is also influenced by the way of life young parents lead: at this time it is important to give up bad habits.

Before taking synthetic vitamin complexes, you should consult a gynecologist. Their uncontrolled use can cause disruptions in the normal functioning of the female body. In this case, vitamins can harm, not help.

However, their importance cannot be ignored. For example, folic acid is essential for conception.

Let's list the properties of folacin:

• helps proteins to be absorbed;
• promotes cell division;
• affects blood circulation;
• does not allow atherosclerosis to develop;
• improves appetite and overall well-being.

Waiting for a miracle

When planning pregnancy, folic acid is needed both for the expectant mother (for hormonal levels) and for the future baby. In the early stages, this vitamin is involved in the formation of the neural tube. Moreover, in order to get pregnant quickly and without problems to live this happy time, you need to drink much more vitamin B9 than always.

Gynecologists are unanimous in the opinion that folic acid helps to get pregnant. In addition, "folk" will help eliminate many deviations from the normal life of the fetus in the mother's body.

Fetal defects occur in the first weeks of pregnancy, when women are usually unaware of conception. Therefore, it is important to start taking folic acid when planning a pregnancy, not after it has occurred.

If, before conception, the female body has not accumulated the required amount of folacin, the pregnant woman will face many other troubles that may arise with a lack of folic acid:

• placental abruption;
• early miscarriage;
• frozen pregnancy;
• the appearance of multiple malformations.

Taking "folk" before pregnancy contributes to the proper growth and development of cells and tissues.

The value of vitamin B9

If there is a deficiency of vitamin in food, the result will be noticeable within a few months: folate deficiency anemia will begin to develop in the body. It provokes the appearance of immature erythrocytes and a decrease in hemoglobin. Because of this, a woman becomes irritable, her appetite decreases, she quickly gets tired and suffers from depression.

These characteristic symptoms can be supplemented over time by hair loss, vomiting and diarrhea.

Folacin does not have accumulative properties, therefore, there is always a need for a vitamin. A woman needs to regularly replenish B9 reserves so that the body works properly, and the reproductive system does not fail.

When planning a pregnancy, folic acid should be in the right amount in the body already 2-3 months before conception occurs.

Gynecologists suggest that this time will be enough for a woman so that the lack of vitamin does not affect pregnancy.

But the dosage of folic acid when planning pregnancy is selected taking into account the characteristics of the body of each woman.

Contraindications

Like any drug, B9 has a number of contraindications. In particular, hypersensitivity to this vitamin.

If a woman has the diseases indicated in the annotation, then the intake of folic acid when planning pregnancy and its dosage will be determined by the attending gynecologist.

The instruction indicates that folacin cannot be combined with certain medicinal products (click to enlarge the instruction).

Taking folacin will not always help the fetus develop correctly. This may be due to incomplete absorption of the vitamin.

The body "does not accept" folacin or partially assimilates it under the following conditions:

• the woman smokes;
• suffers from alcohol dependence;
• lives in regular stress;
• does not get enough sleep;
• takes hormonal drugs;

How and how much to take

The norm of folic acid is 200 mcg every day (provided that the person is completely healthy). If a woman wants to conceive, then the dose of folic acid should be increased.

How much folic acid to drink when planning a pregnancy? Only a personal gynecologist will answer this question. After the examination, the doctor will indicate the required amount of vitamin for a particular woman.

In large quantities, folic acid is needed for women who have impaired gastrointestinal tract functions. An unbalanced diet is another reason why folacin is not absorbed by the body.

Folic acid is found in many multivitamin complexes and supplements, so its amount in tablets varies. In the absence of special medical recommendations, when planning fertilization, it is necessary to take 400 micrograms of "folk" every day. If during previous pregnancies there were pathologies of fetal development, then the dose can be increased to 1200 mcg. But the doctor should prescribe a therapeutic dose. It is advisable to start taking it three to six months before conception, at least a month. At the onset of pregnancy, vitamin intake should be continued until at least 12 weeks.

Doctors say that it is quite difficult to overdose B9, since its excess is excreted from the body. Therefore, it is better to slightly exceed the dose than create a deficit.

Preparations that contain folacin

There are many complexes that include "folk". The content of B9 in them is different: from a prophylactic dose to a therapeutic one.

The gynecologist will advise the patient on the necessary drug, since only the doctor can calculate how much folic acid a woman needs.

• "Folic acid". This medicinal product contains 1 mg of vitamin B9.
• The drug "Folio" is very popular when planning pregnancy. Its popularity is due to the fact that it contains folacin and iodine. They are necessary for the correct development of the fetus and the well-being of the expectant mother. The dosage of these microelements is prophylactic, so most women successfully use it to replenish folic acid deficiency.
• "Folacin" and "Apo-folic" are preparations with folic acid. The vitamin content in them is increased. They are taken when a lack of folacin is detected. That is, the dose contained in these drugs is therapeutic.
• All multivitamin complexes for pregnant women contain folic acid.

In addition to taking preventive doses of the vitamin, it is important to include foods rich in folacin in the diet.
These are fresh vegetables, herbs, legumes. There is a lot of this vitamin in pumpkin and buckwheat, as well as in some fruits. Folacin is also found in animal products, but there is much less of it.

Folacin decreases during cooking, so it's better to eat a salad made from green leaves than a pound of cooked beans.