Final answer:
Folate, or vitamin B9, is critical in preventing neural tube defects like spina bifida during early stages of pregnancy. Pregnant women or those planning to become pregnant are advised to consume at least 400 µg/day of folate. Leafy greens, whole wheat, and legumes are good folate sources.
Step-by-step explanation:
A pregnant woman's consumption of folate, also known as vitamin B9, is paramount during fetal development to reduce the risk of neural tube defects such as spina bifida and anencephaly. Neural tube defects are serious birth malformations that can lead to significant disability or even infant death. Folate deficiency in the first weeks of pregnancy—when the neural tube is forming—is closely associated with these complications.
The Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine recommends that women who could become pregnant consume at least 400 µg/day of folate from supplements or fortified foods. This is because folate is critical for the healthy development of the neural tube, which eventually becomes the fetus's spinal cord and brain. Foods rich in folate include leafy green vegetables, whole wheat, fruits, nuts, and legumes.
It is also important for pregnant women to discuss prenatal care with their healthcare providers. This includes planning for proper nutrition and the possible need for supplements containing folic acid to help prevent certain birth defects.