Folate, also known as vitamin B9, is an essential nutrient for pregnant women and their developing babies. During the early stages of pregnancy, it helps support the development of the neural tube – an important part of a baby’s brain and spinal cord – to ensure that your baby has a healthy start in life. As such, folate-rich foods like leafy greens are recommended for pregnant women to consume during this time in order to support the development of their unborn child.