Pregnant women need more energy, protein, vitamin A, C, D and B group vitamins such as B1, B2, B6 & B12. In addition to pregnant women need more intakes of iron, calcium and dietary fiber and nutrients such as omega 3, omega 6, DHA, folic acid and choline to maintain their health and as nutrients for the brain development of fetuses in the womb.
adequacy of folate in general play a role in reducing the risk of NTD (Neural Tube Defects) and other birth defects in the fetus, and risk of megaloblastic anemia and reduce levels of homocysteine in the blood of pregnant women. Where the value of high plasma homocysteine is associated with increased risk of preeclampsia in pregnant women.
A study published in the Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2007, to test the red blood cell folate levels in more than 700 Asian women aged 18-40 years in Jakarta, Beijing and Kuala Lumpur. Folate levels were then analyzed to obtain the predicted NTD rates in those cities.
In addition, folate is known to reduce levels of homocysteine in the blood. High levels of homocysteine are associated with complications during pregnancy such as preeclampsia, premature birth and babies born stillborn.
Preeclampsia is characterized by high blood pressure, proteinuria (protein in the urine) and edema (swelling) after 20 weeks of gestation. Pregnant women need to eat good nutrition, proper and balanced, one of which is folate, in order to optimize fetal development as well as supporting their own health.