FOLATE METABOLISM IN PREGNANCY

Abstract

The literature review examines the data on the role of folic acid in the human body, especially in women of the reproductive period. An analysis of research studies was conducted to assess the effect of folic acid and folate deficiency on organogenesis and placental formation. In addition, folate deficiency is associated with severe pregnancy complications, including placental abruption, spontaneous miscarriages, intrauterine growth retardation, and preeclampsia. Also, it plays a role in developing congenital malformations of the cardiovascular, nervous, visual and musculoskeletal systems. It was found that with hyperhomocysteinemia, the risk of complications with a self-enhancing cascade of pathological changes during the gestation period increases significantly. In this regard, when planning a pregnancy, it is recommended that all women examine the levels of homocysteine concentration. It is also mandatory to investigate the levels of homocysteine concentration in women with a history of obstetric complications – placental abruption, miscarriage, and the family history of stroke, myocardial infarction and thrombosis in relatives below the age of 45-50 years.

Keywords

• folic acid
• folates
• folate deficiency
• hyperhomocysteinemia
• pregnancy
• miscarriage.