In a previous blog, I explained the importance of the methylation cycle when trying to get pregnant. Now we can discuss the next crucial step: methylation during pregnancy.
Why methylation matters during pregnancy
As explained before, a mutation on your MTHFR gene can affect your body’s ability to process certain amino acids and B-vitamins. This mutation is especially problematic when it comes to breaking down folate and homocysteine.
Folate is absolutely crucial for proper DNA replication – and that’s obviously a big part of your baby’s development.
Deficiencies of folate can lead to health issues for both mum and baby. Mums with low folate are at a higher risk of anaemia or peripheral neuropathy, while the fetus is more likely to suffer congenital abnormalities.
The other big job of folate is converting the by-product homocysteine to methionine. High levels of homocysteine have been linked to higher risks of complications during pregnancy, such as preeclampsia, placental abruption, fetal growth restriction and miscarriage.
Health risks caused by methylation issues during pregnancy can include:
- Anencephaly (in which a baby is born with an underdeveloped brain and an incomplete skull)
- Neural tube defects, such as spina bifida
- Birth defects or other human development complications
- Unexplained, recurrent miscarriages
Some research has shown that pregnant women with two C677T MTHFR gene variants are twice as likely to have a child with a neural tube defect.
One study showed the C677T and A1298C polymorphisms – along with folate deficiency – are linked to recurrent pregnancy loss.
A 2006 study found that 59 per cent of women with recurrent miscarriages had multiple homozygous gene mutations, including MTHFR. These complications are associated with blood clotting. Although these risks are still fairly low, it’s pretty clear how crucial it is to support your body’s methylation processes during pregnancy.
How do I get tested for MTHFR?
Knowing your methylation potential can provide insights to your health for your entire lifetime.
Unfortunately, many conditions associated with the MTHFR mutation aren’t immediately obvious, because they develop over time. That’s why it may be a good idea to get tested.
Getting tested is even more important if you are pregnant or trying to conceive OR if you’ve had multiple unexplained miscarriages or you already have a child with a neural tube defect.
Doctors may suggest taking blood clotting medications, although there is a lack of evidence to support this.
While most doctors test for only two variants of MTHFR, I use advanced DNA testing to determine these and an additional 28 genes associated with methylation. This helps me to determine your unique nutritional and supplemental needs to help you get pregnancy and for during pregnancy to ensure the best possible outcome.
My test is just a simple cheek swab that you can do at home. Get in touch here to find out more.
You must take active folate during pregnancy
The high prevalence of MTHFR mutations – and the importance of folate during pregnancy – means that taking extra folate is essential. But there’s even more to folate than just preventing neural tube problems.
Folate is required for a huge number of enzymatic reactions involved in amino acid synthesis and vitamin metabolism. During pregnancy, your body’s needs for folate increases because it’s required for the growth and development of a fetus.
Many women ask – why can’t I just take the folic acid tablets my doctor advised?
Remember: folic acid is NOT the same as the bioavailable folate that your body needs for methylation!
Unfortunately, many common High Street prenatal brands contain folic acid. Go ahead, check yours. If you’re one of the 30-40 per cent of people who have MTHFR mutation, these formulas will not be beneficial to you.
The best way to avoid folate deficiency is by:
- Taking prenatal multivitamins that include l-methylfolate. I only work with practitioner-grade prenatal supplements to ensure that my patients get the readily available form of folate.
- Supporting your body – and your baby – by eating folate-rich foods. Some of the best whole-food sources of folate include dark leafy greens, fresh fruits and raw juices, nuts, beans, peas, seafood, eggs, dairy products, meat, poultry, and grains.
Other foods that support healthy methylation include asparagus, avocado, broccoli, and legumes.