If you're pregnant and don't get enough folate in your diet, there is higher risk of neural tube defects in your baby. A neural tube defect is when your baby's nerves and spinal cord don't develop properly in the 1st mth of pregnancy. It can cause spina bifida, where the bones of baby's spine don't completely enclose the spinal cord. If you're planning a baby, take a supplement of 0.4mg of folic acid before you become pregnant and in the first 12wks to reduce the risk of a neural tube defect. It's important to eat folate-rich foods, eg broccoli, brussel sprouts, asparagus, peas, chickpeas and brown rice. Although liver is a good source, pregnant women shouldn't eat liver or liver pâté because liver contains lots of vitamin A-large intakes during pregnancy are linked to higher risk of birth defects.
Attribution: BUPA
See also:
- Folate deficiency anaemia
- Folate deficiency anaemia - haemoglobin levels
- Prevention of folate deficiency anaemia
- Sources of folate