Most women are prescribed a multivitamin and mineral supplement during pregnancy. Even so, almost three quarters may be deficient in at least one vitamin. In some mothers the effects of pregnancy, such as morning sickness, discomfort, constipation or lack of motivation, may cause her to stop taking the supplements. To prevent neurological defects of your baby, however, sustaining adequate levels of folic acid and vitamin B12 may be crucial. Prior to supplementation, check with your doctor.
Folic Acid
Folic acid, or folate, is a B-complex vitamin. Folic acid plays a key role in DNA metabolism and in counteracting homocysteine, an amino acid produced from the breakdown of certain compounds in the fetus that produces toxic effects. Without adequate levels of folic acid, homocysteine may cause neural tube defects. Recommended dietary allowance of folic acid during pregnancy is 600 micrograms per day. Food sources rich in folate include fortified breakfast cereals and other packaged foods, spinach, asparagus, lentils and garbanzo beans.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is the only vitamin to contain metal --- a cobalt ion. It is necessary in aiding folic acid in the breakdown of homocysteine. Without it, homoscysteine may accumulate in the mother's blood and the amniotic fluid, causing increased risk for neural tube defects. The RDA for vitamin B12 for pregnant women is 2.6 mcg per day. Food sources of vitamin B12 include clams, mussel, crabs, salmon and skim milk.
Neural Tube Defects
There are two types of neural tube defects --- anencephaly and encephalocele. Babies born with anencephaly are born with part or all of the skull and brain missing. Death usually occurs with anencephaly prior to birth or shortly afterward. With encephalocele, part of the fetus's brain develops in a sac outside of the skull. This usually results in a mental disability, but it is not normally life threatening.
Other Concerns
Other concerns that may be associated with a folic acid deficiency are placental issues, such as placenta abruption, where the placenta prematurely becomes dislodged from the uterine wall. This may be caused by a genetic disorder that does not allow the breakdown of the folate in food, resulting in low serum levels, according to the Northern Arizona University. Another issue concerns DNA production, whereby inadequate folic acid may result in poor cell division, which may lead to problems with the placenta, decreased birth weight, miscarriages or premature birth. It should be noted that prior to beginning any vitamin supplementation, consult your physician first.
