These defects form early in pregnancy, often before women know they are pregnant. It is important to eat enough foods high in folate like broccoli, dark green vegetables, and oranges before and during pregnancy. Calcium is needed by your baby for strong bones. If calcium is not supplied by the mother's diet, calcium is taken from the mother's long bones for the baby. Low Zinc levels during pregnancy are associated with long labor and small babies who may have health problems.
Iron deficiency is common in pregnant women.
Both mother and baby need iron for developing blood supplies. A developing baby also stores iron for use after birth. This increases the mother's iron needs. It is practically impossible to get enough iron from food. Doctors usually recommend supplements.