Dr. Wilson explains why it is recommended for women to take folic acid while they are trying to get pregnant.

Sept. 18 (HealthDay News) -- Increasing use of folic acid and other dietary supplements by women may be one reason why the prevalence of asthma has nearly doubled in the past 25 years, U.S. researchers are suggesting.

They found that a pregnant woman's diet can cause gene regulation (epigenetic) changes that increase an offspring's risk of developing allergic asthma.

Sept. 18 (HealthDay News) -- Increasing use of folic acid and other dietary supplements by women may be one reason why the prevalence of asthma has nearly doubled in the past 25 years, U.S. researchers are suggesting.

They found that a pregnant woman's diet can cause gene regulation (epigenetic) changes that increase an offspring's risk of developing allergic asthma.

It's a good bet mom never told you to speak to your doctor before getting pregnant. But these days, that's exactly what women of childbearing age -- and their male partners -- are being encouraged to do.

Experts say most physicians realize the importance of pre-pregnancy counseling and measures, making sure, for example, that women take folic acid during their reproductive years to prevent birth defects.

Yet surveys suggest that few doctors practice preconception care -- or even ask patients about their pregnancy plans.

By Karen Pallarito
HealthDay Reporter

TUESDAY, July 22 (HealthDay News) -- It's a good bet mom never told you to speak to your doctor before getting pregnant. But these days, that's exactly what women of childbearing age -- and their male partners -- are being encouraged to do.

Experts say most physicians realize the importance of pre-pregnancy counseling and measures, making sure, for example, that women take folic acid during their reproductive years to prevent birth defects.

By Ed Edelson
EmpowHer's HealthDay Reporter

TUESDAY, May 6 (HealthDay News) -- Folic acid and vitamin B supplements aimed at reducing blood levels of the amino acid homocysteine did not protect women against heart disease and stroke, a long-term study found.

It's the latest of several trials to douse the hope that lowering homocysteine levels could reduce the incidence of cardiovascular disease, said study lead author Dr. JoAnn Manson, chief of preventive medicine at Harvard's Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston.

Recent studies show that most women are not taking the recommended folic acid supplement during pregnancy. Folic acid is most important within the first 3 months of pregnancy, to prevent birth defects. In fact, women of childbearing age are told they should be taking a folic acid supplement (and eating folate-rich foods), in case they become pregnant, planned or unplanned (do you know how many pregnancies are unplanned? 50% !! yikes!) :-)