Pregnancy is a time when women are advised to have a healthy diet. It is the most vital phase of their life when they go through several physical, emotional and psychological changes. They carry another life in their body and it becomes more important for them to take very good care of their diet.
According to a recent study, mothers who did not intake enough folic acid during their pregnancy days had to face a lot of trouble giving birth to their child and resulted in the child developing Autism. This was not the case with the women who took at least 600 mcg of folic acid per day (the amount recommended for pregnant women). Their children were also not found with any such disorders after birth.
The occurrence of Autism, however, and its connection with the folic acid is still a matter of controversy. Where some researchers say that a folic acid deficiency in the mother may cause the child Autism disorder, others suggest that access to folic acid during pregnancy may actually increase the chance of Autism. This debate and study over the connection between Autism and folic acid will continue. The pregnant women here can choose to have a balance diet that has enough folic acid
Importance Of Folic Acid
Folic acid, or Folate, the most essential substance in pregnant women’s diet is best consumed with spinach or other leafy vegetables. Orange juice and cabbage are also natural sources of folic acid that provide the body with rich amounts of vitamin B. Deficiency of folic acid in pregnant women causes abnormalities of the spine and brain in the child. Lack of folic acid may also lead to poor growth of the fetus, inadequate finish of the spinal cord, underdevelopment of the brain, premature delivery, and a low birth weight.
Calcium An Integral Part Of Pregnancy Diet
Other than folic acid, pregnant women should also insist on calcium and iron in their diet. During pregnancy, the body requires more calcium and iron. When a pregnant woman lacks calcium in her diet, her body attempts to fulfill its calcium need through bones, which makes the bones weak and fragile and increases the chances of Osteoporosis.
By Titus Kivite
Africa Global News Publication
