Folic acid and fertility

The importance of a crucial vitamin

Folic acid is a vitamin that plays a central role in fertility. It not only supports the healthy development of the baby in the womb, but also reduces the risk of certain malformations. If you want to get pregnant, it is advisable to start taking folic acid daily at least 4 weeks before a potential pregnancy.

The crucial role of folic acid

The importance of folic acid for fertility is well documented. Also known as vitamin B9, folic acid plays a crucial role in the development of a healthy baby. Taking folic acid is crucial to reduce the risk of certain abnormalities in babies. These include so-called fetal neural tube defects, heart defects and cleft lip and palate. Neural tube defects are developmental disorders of the brain, spine, and/or spinal cord that can occur as early as the first weeks of pregnancy, often before women find out about their pregnancy.

The right time and dosage

It is recommended to start taking folic acid at least 4 weeks before the planned onset of pregnancy. This should continue at least until the 12th week of pregnancy is completed. It is taken orally once a day with a standard dose of 400 mcg.

Important: The standard dose of 400 mcg is a guideline, but in certain situations, such as previous pregnancies with abnormalities or existing illnesses, a higher dose may be necessary. It is advisable to discuss this with your supervising gynaecologist to determine the optimal dosage for your individual needs.

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