Have regular medical checkups during pregnancy. Take prenatal vitamin supplements, if they are prescribed. Include fresh vegetables, meat and other animal proteins. Avoid fad diets. Don't overcook food.
Smoking increases vitamin requirements.
Expected Outcome Usually curable in 3 weeks with an adequate folic acid intake. Possible Complications Infertility. Increased susceptibility to infection. Folic acid deficiency can also increase the risk for conceiving a child with a neural tube defect. Treatment consists of folic acid supplements and elimination of contributing causes.