Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
130 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Why Folic Acid Essential During Pregnancy?

Hi I m having pregnancy of 4 months now.. I m taking iron multivitamin tablets . Last night I took folic acid capsule - macfolate . It has lead to so bad taste in my mouth whole night that I m not able to eat anything . Doctor said to try this plain folic acid instead of any combination. can u plz tell me what is the actual requirement of medicine in pregnancy ?i hate taking five six pills during pregnancy... I had taken folic acid continuously for four months namely doxinate plus
posted on Sun, 21 Jun 2015
Twitter Tue, 1 Sep 2020 Answered on
Twitter Sat, 5 Sep 2020 Last reviewed on
Report Abuse
General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi,

Folic acid is essential for neural tube defects in the developing fetus. Neural tube is the basic structure in the fetus that leads to the development of brain in a child. Failure to take folic acid supplements can cause major birth defects to the spinal cord and improper brain and skull development. Hence, it is suggested to take folic acid right from the time of planning for pregnancy and continue till first trimester.

I would suggest you to take folic acid regularly since it is very essential. You can take the drug after food to reduce nausea or vomiting which can commonly occur as a side effect. You can take the drug at night after dinner so that you can avoid the discomfort at day time. Drink plenty of fluids to hydrate your body.

Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Saranya Ramadoss, General & Family Physician
I find this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
Why Folic Acid Essential During Pregnancy?

Hi, Folic acid is essential for neural tube defects in the developing fetus. Neural tube is the basic structure in the fetus that leads to the development of brain in a child. Failure to take folic acid supplements can cause major birth defects to the spinal cord and improper brain and skull development. Hence, it is suggested to take folic acid right from the time of planning for pregnancy and continue till first trimester. I would suggest you to take folic acid regularly since it is very essential. You can take the drug after food to reduce nausea or vomiting which can commonly occur as a side effect. You can take the drug at night after dinner so that you can avoid the discomfort at day time. Drink plenty of fluids to hydrate your body. Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Saranya Ramadoss, General & Family Physician