What is folic acid?
Folic acid is an essential nutrient for pregnant women because it prevents neural tube abnormalities in the growing foetus.
What are the benefits of folic acid during pregnancy?
Women who are pregnant or trying to conceive should consume at least 400 micrograms (0.4 milligrams) of folic acid per day prior to conception and for at least three months after. Studies demonstrate that this significantly reduces a baby’s risk of major neural tube abnormalities. Without enough folic acid in your body, your baby’s neural tube may fail to shut properly, resulting in health concerns known as neural tube defects.
First Trimester Pregnancy:
What to Expect?
The first trimester of pregnancy can be daunting. Understand the changes you may face and how to care for yourself during this wonderful time.
During the first few months of pregnancy, incredible transformations occur. This stage of pregnancy is known as the first trimester.
Week 1 :-
This first week is your menstrual period. your baby has not yet been created. However, you can use a gravidity calculator to calculate your due date, If you know when you last had your period. gestation
Week 2:-
Fertilisation of your egg by sperm( known as generality) will occur around the conclusion of the week. gestation
Week 3 :-
Thirty hours after generality, the cell divides. Three days latterly, the zygote divides into sixteen cells. After two further days, the zygote has moved from the fallopian tube to the uterus( womb). Seven days after generality, the embryo burrows into the thick uterine filling( endometrium). The zygote is now appertained to as a blastocyst. Gestation
Week 4 :-
The developing child is lower than a grain of rice. The fleetly dividing cells are developing the several body systems, including the digestive system gestation
Week 5 :-
The neural tube develops into the central nervous system( brain and spinal cord). gestation.
Week 6:-
The child is now pertained to as an embryo. gestation
Week 7:-
The heart is beating. gestation
Week 8:-
The head is disproportionately large. gestation week 9 The eyes, mouth and lingo are forming gestation
Week 10 :-
All of the fleshly organs are formed. gestation
Week 11 :-
Teeth are expiring inside the epoxies. The bitsy heart is developing further. gestation
Week 12:-
The first trimester combined webbing test( motherly blood test ultrasound of baby) can be done around this time
Week 13:-
The length of your unborn child, or foetus, is approximately 7.4 cm, or the size of a peach. The testes or ovaries in your baby are fully formed on the inside, while the external structure is just being adjusted. The infant is shifting in space. The movements appear erratic and jerky at first, but eventually they take on a more purposeful appearance.
Food include
- Lean proteins
- Whole grain
- Fruits and vegetables
- Dairy products
- Healthy fats
- Iron-rich food
Food excluded
- Raw or undercooked meats
- Raw seafood
- Deli meats and hot dogs
- High-mercury fish
- Caffeine
- Alcoholic
Function of Folic acid in 1st trimester
first trimester of pregnancy, folic acid is essential for the healthy development of the baby. It plays a crucial role in the formation of the baby’s neural tube, which eventually develops into the brain and spinal cord. Adequate intake of folic acid during the first trimester can help prevent neural tube defects such as spina bifida. Folic acid also supports the production of red blood cells and helps in the proper growth and development of the fetus. It is recommended for pregnant women to start taking folic acid supplements before and during the first trimester to support the healthy development of the baby
Foetal development: The 2nd trimester
Week 14:
The baby’s sex becomes clear
Week 15:
The baby’s scalp pattern develops.
Week 16:
Baby’s eyes move
Week 17:
The baby’s toenails develop
Week 18:
Baby starts to hear.
Week 19:
Baby develops a protective layer.
Week 20
marks the midway point.
Week 21:
Babies can suck their thumbs.
Week 22:
Baby’s hair becomes visible
Week 23:
Fingerprints and footprints form
Week 24:
Baby’s skin is wrinkled
Week 25 :
25 weeks after conception, your baby’s nervous system is continuing to mature.
Week 26:
Baby’s lungs develop
Week 27:
2nd trimester ends
27 weeks, or 25 weeks after conception, your baby’s nervous system is continuing to mature.
Food include
- Lean proteins
- Whole grain
- Fruits and vegetables
- Dairy products
- Healthy fats
- Iron-rich food
Food excluded
- Raw or undercooked meats
- Raw seafood
- Deli meats and hot dogs
- High-mercury fish
- Caffeine
- Alcohol.
Function of Folic acid in 2nd trimester
Folic acid continues to play an important part in the baby’s healthy growth during the second trimester of pregnancy. While the neural tube has already formed in the first trimester, folic acid is still necessary for the baby’s brain and spinal cord development. Furthermore, folic acid aids in the development of red blood cells, which are essential for both the mother and the infant. Adequate folic acid intake during the second trimester can also help avoid birth abnormalities and promote overall foetal growth and development. It is recommended that pregnant women continue to take folic acid supplements during the second trimester to ensure the health of both mother and baby.
Foetal development: The 3rd trimester
Foetal development continues during the third trimester. The end of your pregnancy is near!. Here’s a weekly calendar of events for foetal development during the third trimester.
Week 28:
Baby’s eyes are partially open.
Week 29:
Baby Kicks and Stretches
Week 30:
Baby’s Hair Grows
Week 31:
Baby’s rapid weight gain starts.
Week 32:
Baby practises breathing.
Week 33:
Baby detects light.
Week 34:
Baby’s Fingernails Grow
Week 35:
The baby’s skin is smooth.
Week 36:
Baby takes up the majority of the amniotic sac.
Week 37:
Baby may turn head down.
Week 38:
Baby’s toenails grow.
Week 39:
Baby’s chest is prominent.
Week 40:
The due date arrives.
Food include
- Lean proteins
- Whole grain
- Fruits and vegetables
- Dairy products
- Healthy fats
- Iron-rich food
Food excluded
- Raw or undercooked meats
- Raw seafood
- Deli meats and hot dogs
- High-mercury fish
- Caffeine
- Alcohol.
Function of Folic acid in 3rd trimester
Third trimester of pregnancy, folic acid continues to play an important role in supporting the health and development of the baby. During this stage, folic acid helps in the production of red blood cells, which is essential for carrying oxygen to the baby and supporting overall growth and development. Folic acid also plays a role in DNA synthesis and repair, which is important for the rapid cell division that occurs as the baby continues to grow in the womb. Adequate intake of folic acid in the third trimester can help prevent certain birth defects and support the healthy development of the baby. It is recommended for pregnant women to continue taking folic acid supplements throughout the third trimester to ensure the well-being of both mother and baby.
Folic acid remains a key factor in the baby’s health and development during the third trimester of pregnancy. During this time, folic acid aids in the formation of red blood cells, which are necessary for delivering oxygen to the baby and aiding general growth and development. Folic acid also helps with DNA synthesis and repair, which is necessary for the baby’s rapid cell division as it grows in the womb. Adequate folic acid intake throughout the third trimester can help avoid certain birth abnormalities and promote the baby’s healthy development. It is recommended that pregnant women continue taking folic acid supplements during the third trimester to ensure the well-being of both mother and baby.
