How Much Folic Acid?

If pregnant women are concerned about their babies, they often wonder, “How much folic acid do I need for pregnancy?” Folic acid is essential for your baby’s development. It keeps red blood cells healthy and also makes sure that your baby receives the right amount of calcium to ensure strong teeth as well. How much folic acid do you need for pregnancy depends on many factors, including what your weight gain or loss is, your age at conception, your family medical history and the type of egg you’re carrying.

How much folic acid do you need for pregnancy depends on your weight? Women who weigh under thirty pounds (not taking birth control) need only less than a teaspoon a day. Those who weigh more than thirty pounds need a maximum of one tablespoon a day. You may be advised by your doctor to take more, especially if you’re a smoker or have any kind of health problems. In addition, folic acid is essential for good mental health, such as proper mood and concentration, memory function, and alertness.

Your age at conception is important when determining how much folic acid you need. Young women usually don’t need it because their menstrual periods go over at that time. Others however, especially those who are newly born or whose menstruation doesn’t occur regularly should make sure they get enough. One tablespoon a day is the recommended amount for most women.

Your weight is another factor in determining how much folic acid do you need for pregnancy. A pregnant woman’s weight can affect how much folic acid she should take. Women who are heavier (which means they’re carrying a child) need less folic acid than women who are of a normal weight. Pregnant women need to talk with their doctor about this one. Sometimes doctors recommend folic acid for women who are too thin, which isn’t always the best option.

Your race can also influence how much folic acid you need. Black and Hispanic women tend to have lower amounts of folic acid in their bodies than other women. This comes from how these groups typically have lower levels of other important vitamins and minerals, including iron and calcium. If you’re pregnant and need to boost your iron levels, and are of a race that is known to be lower than average in iron levels, you may want to talk to your doctor about taking supplemental folic acid.

How much folic acid do you need for pregnancy is a question many women ask, but few can answer it correctly. The only way to find out is to speak with your doctor. However, there are some things you can do to help increase your levels. Iron supplements are a popular way to do this, but they should only be taken as a last resort. Taking supplemental folic acid can also be very helpful, though you need to speak to your doctor before taking this supplement.