More Evidence that Folic Acid Reduces Autism Risk

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One of the most important things you can do while you are pregnant is to make sure you are getting the right amounts of nutrients and vitamins. Folic acid is one of the nutrients you definitely need to add to your diet while you are pregnant. In fact, you should really begin taking a prenatal vitamin with folic acid before you even become pregnant. Claim Your 20 Free Pregnancy Tests – Click Here

Folic acid is something your body can build up and save in order to prepare for a pregnancy. If you have enough in your system during the first few weeks of pregnancy, you will actually have less of a chance of your baby developing birth defects like spina bifida. Now a study is showing that it can also decrease the risk of autism as well.

The Research

The particular research that offered these results took place over the course of eight years in Norway. Scientists took a look at over 85,000 children who were born during this time. One of the differences between the women of Norway and the United States is that food in the US is required to be fortified with folic acid. However, this is not the case in Norway.

The study found that when women began taking folic acid four weeks before they became pregnant to eight weeks during their pregnancy, their children were less likely to develop autism than women who did not. In fact, taking folic acid during this time decreased the chance that the children would develop autism by 40%.

How Much to Take

One of the great things about living in the US is that you have greater access to folic acid in the daily food that you eat. However, it is still important to make sure you are getting the right amount of folic acid every day. Usually, you can accomplish this by taking a prenatal vitamin for several weeks or months before you are planning to get pregnant.

You should also talk to your doctor to ensure you are getting all the right amounts of nutrients. This is why a preconception appointment is so important. During this appointment will allow you to discuss your medical history with your doctor as well as your current health situation and future plans.

With this information, your doctor will be able to help you determine exactly what type of nutrients you should be taking to have a healthy pregnancy. After you have your instructions, make sure you follow them closely so that you can decrease your child’s risks of all birth defects.

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Monica Scott, BS, RN
Monica Scott, BS, RN | ConceiveEasy
Ms. Scott joined ConceiveEasy after working in prenatal obstetrical care for two years in a private practice before being promoted to Director of Nursing. She has a strong interest in women's health with an emphasis on promoting fertility awareness.

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