Expecting a baby or know someone else who is? Dedicate some time this week to learning and spreading the word about folic acid, a nutrient that’s vital for proper cell growth and can prevent up to 70% of some forms of serious birth defects like Spina Bifida if taken before and during early pregnancy.

According to the National Council on Folic Acid, women who are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant should take 400 mcg of the B-vitamin each day. Additionally, it’s recommended that women who have a child or pregnancy affected by Spina Bifida or have Spina Bifida themselves take 4,000 mcg of folic acid for one to three months before becoming pregnant.

How to make sure folic acid’s included in your diet?  Eat plenty leafy greens like spinach, plus fortified grains, pastas, or cereals—all of which are good sources of the vitamin. However, it’s likely that you won’t obtain the recommended amount of folic acid from food alone (at least not on a daily basis), so it’s also a good idea to talk with your doctor about taking a supplement.

-Marygrace, KIWI staff writer

In honor of May being the month to celebrate moms, it seems only appropriate to bring your attention to a very useful website that I just came across. As a naturopathic doctor, I always have friends, family, and patients asking me for resources that I find valuable, or on “the same page as me.” That being said, it is hard to find such resources which with I agree.

The American Pregnancy Association (APA) is the leading non-profit organization in the US committed to promoting reproductive and pregnancy wellness through education, research, advocacy and community awareness. I have found their website to be fair, balanced, and informative for a wide range of readers. The links they provide will answer many important questions for those trying to achieve a healthy pregnancy, as well as answer questions regarding infertility issues and adoption. They also provide a list of resources to find specific practitioners such as doulas, lactation consultants, pregnancy massage and yoga experts, and midwives.

More importantly, and close to my own heart, they provide facts regarding pregnancy-related nutrition and commonly asked questions regarding prenatal vitamins and herbal medicines that are safe to use during pregnancy. In addition, you will find accurate information about what foods should be avoided and what foods should be eaten.

In February of this year, the APA officially announced a partnership with Nordic Naturals, the leader in omega-3 fish oils and essential fatty acid blends. Scientific research has confirmed the importance of essential fatty acids, in particular DHA, for prenatal, maternal and neonatal development. DHA comprises about 30-40% of the fatty tissue found in the brain and is essential for proper development of brain, eyes, male genitalia, nerves, and the immune system.  International organizations have set standards for essential fatty acids during pregnancy at a minimum of 300mg a day. Nordic Naturals Prenatal DHA provides 450 mg of DHA in just 2 caps.

If you are pregnant or are thinking of getting pregnant, please visit their website,  americanpregnancy.org.

-Dr. Keri Marshall MS, ND is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor who specializes in holistic pediatrics and women’s medicine.