{"id":1748,"date":"2025-11-04T23:30:42","date_gmt":"2025-11-04T22:30:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/?p=1748"},"modified":"2025-11-04T23:30:51","modified_gmt":"2025-11-04T22:30:51","slug":"folic-acid-for-women-trying-to-get-pregnant-in-lagos-why-it-matters","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/folic-acid-for-women-trying-to-get-pregnant-in-lagos-why-it-matters\/","title":{"rendered":"Folic Acid for Women Trying to Get Pregnant in Lagos \u2013 Why It Matters"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>If you\u2019re a woman in Lagos planning to get pregnant soon, there\u2019s one simple supplement your body shouldn\u2019t go without \u2014 <strong>folic acid<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At <strong>Mascot Healthcare<\/strong>, we regularly see women preparing for pregnancy who are unaware of how vital this nutrient is to their health and their baby\u2019s development. Here\u2019s why starting folic acid early is one of the best decisions you can make for your future pregnancy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Is Folic Acid?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Folic acid is the synthetic form of <strong>folate (vitamin B9)<\/strong> \u2014 a nutrient that helps your body form healthy new cells. It plays a major role in DNA production and red blood cell formation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When you take folic acid before and during early pregnancy, it supports the growth of your baby\u2019s <strong>brain, spinal cord, and overall nervous system<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why Folic Acid Is So Important Before Pregnancy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the most powerful benefits of folic acid is its ability to <strong>prevent neural tube defects (NTDs)<\/strong>, a serious birth defects affecting the baby\u2019s brain and spine, such as <strong>spina bifida<\/strong> and <strong>anencephaly<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These defects develop in the <strong>first 28 days after conception<\/strong>, often before many women even realize they\u2019re pregnant. That\u2019s why we recommend starting folic acid <strong>before conception<\/strong>; not after pregnancy begins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Much Folic Acid Do You Need?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>For most women trying to conceive:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Take <strong>4mg)<\/strong> of folic acid daily.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Start <strong>at least one month before conception<\/strong> and continue through the <strong>first trimester<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have diabetes, obesity, epilepsy, or a family history of birth defects, your doctor may recommend a higher dose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Natural Sources of Folate<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>While supplements are the best way to ensure the right dose, you can also boost your folate intake through foods like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Leafy greens (ugu, spinach)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Beans<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Avocado<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Orange<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>However, cooking and processing can destroy some folate, so supplements remain essential when planning pregnancy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Preconception Care in Lagos<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>At <strong>Mascot Healthcare<\/strong>, we offer <strong>preconception and women\u2019s health consultations<\/strong> for those planning pregnancy. Our medical team can:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Recommend the right folic acid dose for you<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Check your overall reproductive health<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Guide you through lifestyle and nutrition choices for a healthy start<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>\ud83d\udccd <strong>Visit us:<\/strong> 52 Sholanke Street, Akoka, Lagos<br>\ud83d\udcf2 <strong>Book an appointment:<\/strong> Chat with us on WhatsApp<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\ud83d\udca1 Takeaway<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Starting folic acid early is one of the <strong>simplest and most effective steps<\/strong> you can take for a healthy pregnancy and baby.<br>If you live in <strong>Akoka, Yaba, Bariga, Shomolu, or anywhere in Lagos<\/strong>, Mascot Healthcare is here to support you every step of the way \u2014 from <strong>pre-pregnancy to antenatal checkup<\/strong>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you\u2019re a woman in Lagos planning to get pregnant soon, there\u2019s one simple supplement your body shouldn\u2019t go without \u2014 folic acid. At Mascot Healthcare, we regularly see women preparing for pregnancy who are unaware of how vital this nutrient is to their health and their baby\u2019s development. Here\u2019s why starting folic acid early [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1251,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"pagelayer_contact_templates":[],"_pagelayer_content":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[35],"tags":[348,472,81],"class_list":["post-1748","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-womens-health","tag-antenatal","tag-folic-acid","tag-pregnancy"],"magazineBlocksPostFeaturedMedia":{"thumbnail":"https:\/\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/ChatGPT-Image-Apr-16-2025-04_55_51-PM-150x150.png","medium":"https:\/\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/ChatGPT-Image-Apr-16-2025-04_55_51-PM-200x300.png","medium_large":"https:\/\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/ChatGPT-Image-Apr-16-2025-04_55_51-PM-768x1152.png","large":"https:\/\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/ChatGPT-Image-Apr-16-2025-04_55_51-PM-683x1024.png","1536x1536":"https:\/\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/ChatGPT-Image-Apr-16-2025-04_55_51-PM.png","2048x2048":"https:\/\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/ChatGPT-Image-Apr-16-2025-04_55_51-PM.png"},"magazineBlocksPostAuthor":{"name":"mascothealthcare","avatar":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/e6245491479ada5c011d746103e188e52935679f353558c771f24bdf2eb1c016?s=96&d=mm&r=g"},"magazineBlocksPostCommentsNumber":false,"magazineBlocksPostExcerpt":"If you\u2019re a woman in Lagos planning to get pregnant soon, there\u2019s one simple supplement your body shouldn\u2019t go without \u2014 folic acid. At Mascot Healthcare, we regularly see women preparing for pregnancy who are unaware of how vital this nutrient is to their health and their baby\u2019s development. Here\u2019s why starting folic acid early [&hellip;]","magazineBlocksPostCategories":["Women's Health"],"magazineBlocksPostViewCount":424,"magazineBlocksPostReadTime":3,"magazine_blocks_featured_image_url":{"full":["https:\/\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/ChatGPT-Image-Apr-16-2025-04_55_51-PM.png",1024,1536,false],"medium":["https:\/\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/ChatGPT-Image-Apr-16-2025-04_55_51-PM-200x300.png",200,300,true],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/ChatGPT-Image-Apr-16-2025-04_55_51-PM-150x150.png",150,150,true]},"magazine_blocks_author":{"display_name":"mascothealthcare","author_link":"https:\/\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/author\/mascothealthcare\/"},"magazine_blocks_comment":0,"magazine_blocks_author_image":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/e6245491479ada5c011d746103e188e52935679f353558c771f24bdf2eb1c016?s=96&d=mm&r=g","magazine_blocks_category":"<a href=\"https:\/\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/category\/womens-health\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Women's Health<\/a>","jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/ChatGPT-Image-Apr-16-2025-04_55_51-PM.png","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":1501,"url":"https:\/\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/how-to-prevent-hydrocephalus-a-guide-for-women-in-lagos-planning-pregnancy\/","url_meta":{"origin":1748,"position":0},"title":"How to Prevent Hydrocephalus \u2013 A Guide for Women in Lagos Planning Pregnancy","author":"mascothealthcare","date":"June 23, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"Hydrocephalus is a serious medical condition that affects the brain, often beginning before or shortly after birth. For many women in Lagos planning to become pregnant, understanding how to prevent hydrocephalus is an important step toward ensuring a healthy baby. In this post, we'll break down what hydrocephalus is, what\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Child and Adolescent Health&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Child and Adolescent Health","link":"https:\/\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/category\/child-and-adolescent-health\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Hydrocephalus_with_sunset_eyes.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Hydrocephalus_with_sunset_eyes.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Hydrocephalus_with_sunset_eyes.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":880,"url":"https:\/\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/essential-supplements-every-pregnant-mother-needs-to-know\/","url_meta":{"origin":1748,"position":1},"title":"Essential Supplements Every Pregnant Mother Needs to Know","author":"mascothealthcare","date":"November 1, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"Pregnancy is a time when the body needs extra support to nurture and grow a healthy baby. A balanced diet provides many essential nutrients, but in pregnancy, supplements are often necessary to meet increased nutritional needs. Let\u2019s look at the most essential supplements for a healthy pregnancy, why they're needed,\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Wellness and Health&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Wellness and Health","link":"https:\/\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/category\/wellness-and-health\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/pexels-pixabay-208518-scaled.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/pexels-pixabay-208518-scaled.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/pexels-pixabay-208518-scaled.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/pexels-pixabay-208518-scaled.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/pexels-pixabay-208518-scaled.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/pexels-pixabay-208518-scaled.jpg?resize=1400%2C800&ssl=1 4x"},"classes":[]},{"id":1752,"url":"https:\/\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/preventing-low-pcv-levels-in-pregnant-women-a-lagos-focused-guide\/","url_meta":{"origin":1748,"position":2},"title":"Preventing Low PCV Levels in Pregnant Women","author":"mascothealthcare","date":"February 4, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"How to Prevent Low PCV Levels in Pregnant Women Low PCV (Packed Cell Volume), also known as low blood level or anemia, is one of the most common problems affecting pregnant women in Lagos. With the city\u2019s fast-paced lifestyle, nutritional challenges, and high rates of iron deficiency, many expecting mothers\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Women's Health&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Women's Health","link":"https:\/\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/category\/womens-health\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/ChatGPT-Image-Nov-18-2025-04_15_28-PM.png?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/ChatGPT-Image-Nov-18-2025-04_15_28-PM.png?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/ChatGPT-Image-Nov-18-2025-04_15_28-PM.png?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/ChatGPT-Image-Nov-18-2025-04_15_28-PM.png?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/ChatGPT-Image-Nov-18-2025-04_15_28-PM.png?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/ChatGPT-Image-Nov-18-2025-04_15_28-PM.png?resize=1400%2C800&ssl=1 4x"},"classes":[]},{"id":845,"url":"https:\/\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/essential-precautions-in-early-pregnancy\/","url_meta":{"origin":1748,"position":3},"title":"Essential Precautions in Early Pregnancy","author":"mascothealthcare","date":"August 28, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"Pregnancy is a beautiful journey, but the early stages are crucial for the health of both the mother and the developing baby. Taking the right precautions during early pregnancy can set the foundation for a healthy and safe experience. Whether you\u2019re a first-time mom or adding to your family, here\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Women's Health&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Women's Health","link":"https:\/\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/category\/womens-health\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/pexels-jonathanborba-4513729-scaled.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/pexels-jonathanborba-4513729-scaled.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/pexels-jonathanborba-4513729-scaled.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/pexels-jonathanborba-4513729-scaled.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/pexels-jonathanborba-4513729-scaled.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/pexels-jonathanborba-4513729-scaled.jpg?resize=1400%2C800&ssl=1 4x"},"classes":[]},{"id":722,"url":"https:\/\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/congratulations-on-your-positive-pregnancy-test-heres-what-to-do-next\/","url_meta":{"origin":1748,"position":4},"title":"Congratulations on Your Positive Pregnancy Test! Here\u2019s What to Do Next","author":"mascothealthcare","date":"June 19, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"Discovering that you are pregnant is an exciting and emotional moment. Congratulations! As you embark on this wonderful journey, it\u2019s essential to take steps to ensure your health and the health of your growing baby. Here are essential tips on what to do next now that your pregnancy test is\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Women's Health&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Women's Health","link":"https:\/\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/category\/womens-health\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/PREPARING-FOR-PREGNANCY.png?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/PREPARING-FOR-PREGNANCY.png?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/PREPARING-FOR-PREGNANCY.png?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/PREPARING-FOR-PREGNANCY.png?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/PREPARING-FOR-PREGNANCY.png?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":1296,"url":"https:\/\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/pregnancy-ultrasound-schedule-how-often-should-lagos-moms-get-scans\/","url_meta":{"origin":1748,"position":5},"title":"Pregnancy Ultrasound Schedule: How Often Should Lagos Moms Get Scans?","author":"mascothealthcare","date":"April 19, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"Pregnancy ultrasounds are exciting milestones, but many Lagos mothers wonder:\u00a0\"How many scans do I really need?\"\u00a0While every pregnancy is unique, here\u2019s a general guide to recommended ultrasound timing in Lagos\u2014from early detection to delivery prep. \ud83d\udcc5 Standard Pregnancy Ultrasound Schedule in Lagos 1\ufe0f\u20e3 First Trimester (Weeks 6-12) Scan Type:\u00a0Early viability\/dating\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Women's Health&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Women's Health","link":"https:\/\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/category\/womens-health\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"pregnant woman","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/640px-Pregnant_woman_third_trimester_of_pregnancy.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/640px-Pregnant_woman_third_trimester_of_pregnancy.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/640px-Pregnant_woman_third_trimester_of_pregnancy.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x"},"classes":[]}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1748","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1748"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1748\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1749,"href":"https:\/\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1748\/revisions\/1749"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1251"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1748"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1748"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1748"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}