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Abstract
This investigation is a pilot study assessing the feasibility of implementing a double-blinded randomized control trial of folic acid (FA) supplementation in a prenatal clinic setting. The research question asks if there is a difference in infant birth outcomes in response to 400 g or 800 g FA supplementation throughout pregnancy. The hypothesis is being tested in pregnant women receiving prenatal care at Athens Regional Midwifery Clinic. Thus far, 12 participants have completed the study. Mean cord blood serum and RBC folate concentrations are available for 7 infants (77.8 nmol/L 20.2 and 1408.1 573.8, respectively). No differences in gestation age, length, weight, head circumference, or Apgar scores have been observed between both groups. This pilot study provided valuable data regarding the feasibility of conducting a controlled FA intervention study in a prenatal clinic setting and will aid in planning a larger-scale study in the future.