An evaluation of adherence to folic acid supplementation in pregnant women during early gestation for the prevention of neural tube defects.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Neural tube defects (NTD) are potentially preventable by periconceptual folic acid supplementation. Women with obesity are at higher risk of NTD, therefore, are recommended a higher dose of 5 mg folic acid to mitigate this risk. The aim of this study was to evaluate maternal practice of folic acid supplementation amongst the antenatal population in relation to maternal obesity status.

Design

Prospective observational study.

Setting

Women ≤18 weeks' gestation at their first antenatal appointment attending University Maternity Hospital Limerick (Ireland) were recruited. Maternal height and weight were measured. Obesity was defined at a threshold of ≥30·0 kg/m² and ≥27·5 kg/m² when adjusting for ethnicity. A two-part questionnaire captured

SUBMITTER: Linnell A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9991708 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature