Nutrition for pregnancy actually begins months before becoming pregnant. The March of Dimes recommends that all women of childbearing age take a folic acid supplement of at least 400mcg daily. This important vitamin prevents birth defects that affect the brain and spinal cord. The maternal stores of folic acid for the three months prior to getting pregnant determine baby’s brain and spinal cord development and helps prevent NTD (neural tube defects). Once pregnant, folic acid requirements increase to 600-800 mcg daily. Folic acid is obtained through vitamin supplements, prenatal vitamins and enriched food items such as cereal, breads and grains.