How the MTHFR Mutation Affects Pregnancy
Women with an MTHFR gene mutation may be at a higher risk for miscarriage, preeclampsia, and having a baby with birth defects. Risk factors for MTHFR gene mutations include recurrent pregnancy losses, giving birth to babies with certain birth defects, and a history of preeclampsia.
When planning a pregnancy, many parents learn about the importance of folic acid. Having a sufficient amount of it in your system is vital for the proper development of the baby. This is because folate is foundational to the RNA/DNA building blocks and synthesis process among so many other important activities in the body.
The MTHFR (L-5-methyltetrahydrofolate) gene is responsible for processing folic acid to create a usable form of folate for the body. When a person has an MTHFR gene mutation, the body isn't converting folate into the precise enzyme that’s required to kick off all of the important downstream reactions folate requires. While folate deficiency is dangerous for every person, it's a big concern for pregnant women due to possible birth defects associated with it.
This article will talk about the way MTHFR mutations affect pregnancy and what can be done to counter their negative effects.
