Essential Pregnancy Nutrients - Folic Acid

Essential Pregnancy Nutrients - Folic Acid

(0 reviews)

Eating a varied and balanced diet during pregnancy is very important for both you and your baby. Pregnancy nutrition is a big topic but getting started is easy - use the table below to familiarise yourself with essential nutrients and vitamins to include in your pregnancy diet and learn about the benefits for you and your baby.

Friday, December 25th, 2015

Print

So what do you need to eat for you and your baby – and why?


Nutrient	Folic acid (or folate)
Why do you and your baby need it?	You need to increase your folic acid intake if you are planning a pregnancy or are pregnant. Folic acid is essential for the healthy development of your baby in early pregnancy. It’s a particularly important vitamin for your little one’s nervous system development.
Eat it so you can…	Prevent neural tube birth defects such as spina bifida – a defect where the baby’s spinal cord doesn’t fully fuse together and can result in a range of disabilities that can be severe.
How much is enough?	You need 600 micrograms per day of dietary folate. You can achieve this by eating foods that naturally contain folate (a dietary source of folic acid). Consult your doctor or dietitian for advice if you don’t feel your dietary intake is meeting what you and your baby need.
On your plate	Bread (most bread in Australia has added folate); Oranges; Green leafy vegetables Folate enriched cereals; Fruit juices with added folate; Legumes; Nuts. Yeast extract (e.g. vegemite)
Tips	Extended cooking can destroy or reduce the amount of folic acid available so take care when preparing your vegetables.

Join My First 1000 Days Club

It all starts here. Expert nutrition advice for you and your baby along the first 1000 days.

Learn about nutrition at your own pace
Try our tailored practical tools
Enjoy member only benefits
Learn about nutrition at your own pace

Let's start this!

Related Content

Simple Techniques to Avoid Backache During Pregnancy

Simple Techniques to Avoid Backache During Pregnancy

Starting from around five months up to pregnancy, you experience a rapid weight gain and some structural changes in your body. As a result of this your natural reaction is to try to adjust to these changes. These may cause backache.

Ankle swelling during pregnancy

Ankle swelling during pregnancy

Swollen ankles are common during pregnancy, and although uncomfortable, they are usually not a cause for concern.Taking simple steps can help you to deal with ankle swelling in pregnancy such as avoiding tight fitting clothes or avoiding standing for long periods of time, etc.

Getting Pregnant With HIV

Getting Pregnant With HIV

Planning for a baby with HIV is indeed a big decision. Although it is not without risks, being aware of these risks and working closely with your doctor can lower the risk of passing on the infection to your baby.

Getting Pregnant with Underweight

Getting Pregnant with Underweight

Weight in relation to fertility is a curious thing; too much or too little can create problems in conceiving. You are considered to be underweight if your body mass index or BMI is under 18.5.

Getting Pregnant with Overweight

Getting Pregnant with Overweight

Thinking about getting pregnant, but worried about your excess body weight? Excess body weight can affect your chances of getting pregnant. Being overweight (body mass index (BMI) of more than 25) can adversely affect your fertility by inhibiting normal ovulation.

Getting Pregnant with High Blood Pressure

Getting Pregnant with High Blood Pressure

If you have high blood pressure and thinking of having a baby. First thing you need to do is to schedule an appointment with your doctor. Controlling your blood pressure before getting pregnant will ensure good health and wellbeing of both you and your baby.

Getting Pregnant with Hyper or Hypothyroid Problem

Getting Pregnant with Hyper or Hypothyroid Problem

If you have thyroid problem and thinking about getting pregnant, it is important to control the problem before you get pregnant.

Getting Pregnant with Epilepsy

Getting Pregnant with Epilepsy

If you have epilepsy and thinking about having a baby, you may probably have a lot of questions in your mind. Will it be safe for me to get pregnant with epilepsy? Would I be able to get pregnant?

Pregnancy after miscarriage Giving Life Another Chance

Pregnancy after miscarriage Giving Life Another Chance

Not having your baby after conceiving can be a very traumatic experience. However, you have to remember that it is not the end of the road. In fact, the chances of having a normal pregnancy and a healthy baby could actually be better the second time round.

Article Reviews

0 reviews