Folic acid
Folic acid, also called folate, is a B vitamin found in a number of foods. Folic acid has been shown to reduce the risk of neural tube defects in babies, when development of the spine or brain are incomplete. Such defects include spina bifida and anencephaly.
Because it is virtually impossible to get the recommended amount of folic acid from diet alone current advice is for all women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant to take a 400 microgram folic acid supplement until the 12th week of pregnancy. You can continue taking it after this date, but talk to your health professional about dosage.
Foods that contain folic acid include:
dark green vegetables
cereals, especially wholegrains - some breads and cereal products are fortified with folic acid (read the packet's nutritional label)
oranges, grapefruit, bananas
beans and pulses
milk and yoghurt
yeast or malt extracts (as drinks or spreads)