Atoms are the building blocks of matter. They are the smallest particles of an element that still have the elementâs properties. Elements are pure substancesâsuch as nickel, hydrogen, and heliumâthat make up all kinds of matter. All the atoms of a given element are identical in that they have the same number of protons, one of the building blocks of atoms.
During pregnancy, take a prenatal vitamin each day that has 600 micrograms of folic acid in it. You need more folic acid during pregnancy to help your baby grow and develop. Your health care provider can prescribe a prenatal vitamin for you. Or you can get prenatal vitamins over the counter without a prescription.
As a water-soluble vitamin, your body doesnât store folic acid, so you should get it in your daily diet. This vitamin is even more important for women of childbearing age. Folic acid helps prevent developmental defects that can occur early in pregnancy, sometimes before youâre even aware of it. You need 400 micrograms daily, no matter your gender, as established by the Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine.