Erika
02-04-2008, 04:12 PM
Even more reason to take that folic acid!
Folic acid cuts preterm birth risk
http://www.irishhealth.com/?level=4&id=12996
[Posted: Sun 03/02/2008 by Olivia Fens]
Researchers have found that women who take folic acid supplements for at least one year before they become pregnant can cut their risk of having a premature baby by more than half.
Folic acid (vitamin B9) is currently recommended for women who are trying to conceive and during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.
A study of more than 38,000 women found taking folate acid supplements for at least one year prior to conception reduced early premature delivery rates by 50%-70%, regardless of age or other factors.
“We already knew that folic acid supplementation beginning before pregnancy and continuing into the first trimester helps prevent serious birth defects of the brain and spinal cord, such as spina bifida," Alan Fleischman, spokesman for the US pregnancy group March of Dimes, said.
Dr Fleischman added ‘we hope this new research also will spur more healthcare professionals to urge their female patients to make folic acid part of their daily routine as a simple step toward having a healthy baby in the future’.
Previous studies have also suggested that folic acid may have beneficial effects in preventing stroke and cardiovascular disease in adults.
Folic acid cuts preterm birth risk
http://www.irishhealth.com/?level=4&id=12996
[Posted: Sun 03/02/2008 by Olivia Fens]
Researchers have found that women who take folic acid supplements for at least one year before they become pregnant can cut their risk of having a premature baby by more than half.
Folic acid (vitamin B9) is currently recommended for women who are trying to conceive and during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.
A study of more than 38,000 women found taking folate acid supplements for at least one year prior to conception reduced early premature delivery rates by 50%-70%, regardless of age or other factors.
“We already knew that folic acid supplementation beginning before pregnancy and continuing into the first trimester helps prevent serious birth defects of the brain and spinal cord, such as spina bifida," Alan Fleischman, spokesman for the US pregnancy group March of Dimes, said.
Dr Fleischman added ‘we hope this new research also will spur more healthcare professionals to urge their female patients to make folic acid part of their daily routine as a simple step toward having a healthy baby in the future’.
Previous studies have also suggested that folic acid may have beneficial effects in preventing stroke and cardiovascular disease in adults.