Expectant mothers 'should consume folic acid'
09:07:20 2nd July 2009
Eating well during pregnancy is vital and expectant mothers should ensure they remain well nourished, an expert has stated.
Sarah Montagu of the Association of Radical Midwives (ARM), said eating foods that are high in folic acid is particularly important.
Mothers should, she noted, consume plenty of greens such as broccoli and sprouts, as these contain high levels of the nutrient.
"Of course quite a lot of foods now have folic acid added to them as well because that is important for the development of the baby's nervous system," she commented.
It is also important to eat well when trying to conceive and couples should also ensure they address any lifestyle issues such as smoking, Ms Montagu furthered.
In related news, the ARM claimed recently that breastfeeding is the ideal way for new mothers to get back into shape after giving birth.
Figures from the Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care show that the average mother takes between three and six months to lose the weight gained during pregnancy.
