You are always wondering if you are consuming the right amount of nutrients during your pregnancy. You want to make sure that what you eat helps in the growth and development of your baby in the right manner. There are certain essential nutrients that are truly vital during your pregnancy. This article will give you a brief overview of how folic acid helps you and your baby during pregnancy.
Folic Acid – Folic acid is the synthetic form of folate which is part of the vitamin B family. This nutrient is especially important in the three months prior to conception and in the first trimester of pregnancy. It is recommended that if you are a woman of child bearing age and are planning to have a baby then you should start taking a folic acid supplement regularly. It is essential for the development of the baby’s brain, skull and spine. Adequate intake of folate can help prevent abnormalities and birth defects related to the spine. Natural sources of Folic acid include legumes, fortified cereals, oranges and green leafy vegetables.
Ensuring that you consume adequate amounts of these vital nutrients is essential for every pregnancy so make sure that you include generous portions in your daily diet.