The Importance of Folic Acid Supplement in Your 8 Months of Pregnancy

Your doctor must have prescribed you Folic acid supplement from the time you started planning for your pregnancy. That’s because it’s tough to get enough folic acid from the foods you eat.  Folic acid is one of the B groups of vitamins, also known as B9. It helps your body produce red blood cells as well as norepinephrine and serotonin. Norepinephrine and serotonin are the chemical components of the nervous system.  These components helps make DNA, which is body’s genetic material. It is a very crucial part of spinal fluid. However, the biggest reason your doctor advised you to use folic acid is for the reason that it plays a pivotal role in preventing neural tube birth defects, like spina bifida. Women who don’t get folic acid also stand a greater chance of miscarriage. The U. S. Public Health Service recommends all women of childbearing age to consume 400 micrograms of folic acid daily to prevent the risk of serious birth defects. Folic acid is not only crucial during the initial months of pregnancy but is also important even while you are 8 months pregnant.

8 months pregnant & the role of folic acid in pregnancy

Folic acid supplementation during pregnancy may protect against depression 8 months after pregnancy. Scores of studies suggest that low folate levels are associated with depression in the general population. During pregnancy the demand for folic acid increases. When there is a lack of adequate supplementation, the concentration of maternal serum folate begins to decline gradually from fifth month onwards and continues to remain low for several months after the childbirth.

Fetal growth in 8 months of pregnancy and the need for folic acid

There is a significant fetal growth in the 8 months of pregnancy. During this time fetus gains half the weight. It will have at birth and occupies most of the uterine space. And puts much pressure on the mother’s bladder. Baby’s brain continues to develop during this time. The olfactory neurons are formed. Baby begins to perceive strong odors. Good nutrition is paramount since fetus growth happens rapidly during this time. Continued supplementation of folic acid is imperative along with other nutrients and vitamins such as calcium, iron, protein and vitamin C.

Folic acid deficiency during pregnancy

Folic acid plays a key role even when you are 8 months pregnant. Folate deficiency during pregnancy is linked to increased risk of preterm delivery, low birth weight, and retardation of fetal growth. Folic acid deficiency in mothers increases homocysteine level in the blood.  This can lead to spontaneous abortion and pregnancy complications, like placental abruption and preeclampsia.

8 months pregnant symptoms, diet and exercise

• Normal weight gain
• No crazy sugar cravings
• Fall asleep really quickly and very soundly almost every night, going every day
• Hardly any ligament and back pain
• Energy to get through the day with 5 kids
• No more headaches or migraines
• No leg cramps or swelling
• Don’t need a pillow between legs to stop back pain
• Don’t feel like I’m 8 months pregnant