Folic acid
Folic acid, or vitamin B9, is necessary for the development of a healthy baby in the womb. It can significantly reduce the risk of neural tube defects, such as spina bifida.
Folic acid can be found naturally in cereals, granary bread and green, leafy vegetables (cabbage, kale).Getting enough folic acid just from food when pregnant is not as reliable as getting it from a tablet or supplement, which will contain exactly the correct amount. Folic acid tablets can be bought from your pharmacist, at large supermarkets, in health food shops, or are available on prescription from your doctor.
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