Module 2 B Flashcards
What are the doses of folic acid recommended for individuals at low, moderate, and high risk of having an infant with neural tube defects?
Low risk: 0.4 mg (=400 mcg) of folic acid daily 2-3 months prior to conception.
Moderate risk: 1 mg of folic acid daily, beginning at least 3 months before pregnancy until 12 weeks gestation then revert back to 0.4-1 mg daily.
High risk: 4 mg of folic acid daily beginning three months preconception through the first 12 weeks of pregnancy then revert back to 0.4-1 mg daily.
Folic Acid low risk group
negative for risk factors
Folic Acid moderate risk group
Diabetes,
obesity
advanced liver disease
excessive alcohol intake
on folate-inhibiting medications like:
anti-epileptic agents
GI malabsorption disorders
Kidney dialysis
Folic Acid high risk group
Personal hx of NTD or having had a child with a NTD
Why is folic acid supplementation recommended prior to conception?
Provides protection against Neural Tube Defect (NTD)
Why is reducing or quitting smoking beneficial in the preconception period?
Can reduce natural fertility. effects of smoking can be reversed within a year of quitting.
Women who quit smoking before conception or within the first 3 months of pregnancy reduce the risk of their baby being born prematurely to the same level of risk for non-smokers.
Why is avoiding alcohol beneficial in the preconception period?
Both active and passive smoking interferes with female and male fertility.
most women do not know they are pregnant until they are 4-6 weeks into the pregnancy. This means a woman might be drinking and exposing her developing baby to alcohol without knowing it.
- What are the benefits of optimal weight and physical activity in the preconception period?
Maintaining a normal BMI and regular exercis supports ovulatory cycles.
What is the relationship between weight and ovulatory cycles?
