Should folic acid intake be increased for twins?

Sep 20, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhang Lu

Introduction

In general, women carrying twins do not need to increase their folic acid intake. However, if a pregnant woman has a history of giving birth to a child with neural tube defects, she may require higher folic acid intake. Taking folic acid during early pregnancy plays an important role in both maternal health and normal fetal development. Under medical guidance, adequate supplementation of folic acid can effectively reduce the risk of fetal malformations.

Generally, there is no need to increase folic acid intake when carrying twins. However, if the pregnant woman has a history of giving birth to a child with neural tube defects, she may need to increase her folic acid intake. The detailed explanation is as follows:

Folic acid is a water-soluble vitamin. Taking folic acid during early pregnancy helps prevent fetal neural tube defects, supports fetal growth and development, and maintains normal physiological functions in pregnant women. Folic acid plays an important role in both maternal health and normal fetal development. In general, women carrying twins do not need to increase their folic acid intake; simply taking an adequate amount of folic acid under medical guidance can effectively reduce the risk of fetal malformations.

In special cases—such as if the pregnant woman has a personal history of neural tube defects in previous pregnancies or during the current pregnancy—increased folic acid intake may be necessary. If concerned about the development of twins, it is recommended to consult a doctor and determine whether higher folic acid intake is needed based on individual circumstances, avoiding self-adjustment that could lead to adverse effects.

It is also advised to maintain a healthy lifestyle during pregnancy, ensure balanced nutrition, get sufficient rest, avoid excessive fatigue, and undergo regular prenatal checkups as recommended by healthcare providers to monitor fetal development and maternal health status promptly.

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