Why is folic acid and iron given during pregnancy?

WHO recommendations. Daily oral iron and folic acid supplementation with 30 mg to 60 mg of elemental irona and 400 µg (0.4 mg) folic acidb is recommended for pregnant women to prevent maternal anaemia, puerperal sepsis, low birth weight, and preterm birth.

What is the benefits of iron and folic acid?

Folic acid (folate) is a type of vitamin B. Iron and vitamin B help your body produce and maintain healthy red blood cells. Ferrous fumarate and folic acid is a combination medicine used to treat or prevent certain types of anemia (low red blood cells) caused by an iron or folate deficiency.

What is difference between folic acid and iron?

Iron is an important mineral that the body needs to produce red blood cells. Vitamin C improves the absorption of iron from the stomach. Vitamin B12 is important for normal blood, cells, and nerves. Folic acid is needed to form healthy cells, especially red blood cells.

What is the best time to take iron tablets during pregnancy?

Try to take the pills on an empty stomach about 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals. But you may need to take iron with food to avoid an upset stomach. Do not take antacids or drink milk or caffeine drinks (such as coffee, tea, or cola) at the same time or within 2 hours of the time that you take your iron.

What happens if you don’t take folic acid during pregnancy?

If you do not get enough folic acid before and during pregnancy, your baby is at higher risk for neural tube defects. Neural tube defects are serious birth defects that affect the spine, spinal cord, or brain and may cause death.

What are the side effects of iron tablets during pregnancy?

Although our bodies can store a certain amount of extra iron, higher-dose iron supplements may cause side effects. These include, in particular, gastrointestinal (stomach and bowel) problems like constipation, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. When taken on an empty stomach, they can damage the lining of the stomach.

Can iron deficiency in pregnancy affect baby growth?

Four kinds of anemia can happen during pregnancy: anemia of pregnancy, iron deficiency anemia, vitamin B-12 deficiency, and folate deficiency. Anemia may cause your baby to not grow to a healthy weight. Your baby may also arrive early (preterm birth) or have a low birth weight.

When should a pregnant woman start taking folic acid?

You should take a supplement with 400 micrograms of folic acid per day from 12 weeks before you become pregnant through to the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. Folic acid supplements are available over the counter from pharmacies at varying doses. Look for supplements that contain at least 400 micrograms of folic acid.

When should I stop taking folic acid tablets during pregnancy?

When should I stop taking folic acid? Once you reach 12 weeks pregnant your baby’s spine will have developed, so you can stop taking folic acid if you wish. However you can continue to take supplements after 12 weeks if you choose to and it won’t harm your baby to do so.

How much iron and folic acid should I take during pregnancy?

Daily oral iron and folic acid supplementation with 30 mg to 60 mg of elemental irona and 400 µg (0.4 mg) folic acidb is recommended for pregnant women to prevent maternal anaemia, puerperal sepsis, low birth weight, and preterm birth.

What are the uses of iron and folic acid?

Uses of Iron and Folic Acid: 1 It is used to treat or prevent low iron in the body. 2 It is used to treat low folate levels. 3 It is used to help growth and good health. 4 It may be given to you for other reasons. Talk with the doctor.

What are the side effects of folic acid during pregnancy?

When taken before and during pregnancy, folic acid may also protect your baby against: 1 Cleft lip and palate. 2 Premature birth. 3 Low birth weight. 4 Miscarriage. 5 Poor growth in the womb.

What are the uses of folic acid 5 mg tablet?

Aside from the treatment of folate deficiency, Folic Acid 5 MG Tablet is also used to cure anemia, kidney dialysis, alcoholism, liver disease and the improper absorption of nutrients by the bowel.