1. Folic acid
Folic acid, also known as folate, is a vitamin B that is important for pregnant women. Taking it regularly before pregnancy and during pregnancy helps prevent major birth defects of the fetal brain and spine called neural tube defects. The requirement for folic acid increases from 400 micrograms (mcg) daily for non-pregnant women to 600 mcg daily during pregnancy.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends all pregnant women (and all women who may become pregnant) to take a daily vitamin supplement that contains folic acid. Major food sources of folate include spinach, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, black-eyed peas, kidney beans, avocado, oranges, papaya, peanuts, and breakfast cereals fortified with folic acid.