Folic acid is a type of vitamin that is essential for the normal growth and development of cells in the body. If a woman consumes folic acid in her diet before and during the earliest stages of pregnancy, it can help to reduce her baby's risk for developing a type of birth defect called a neural tube defect. Early in pregnancy, the neural tube forms the brain and spinal cord. If the neural tube does not form properly, serious birth defects may result.

Identify one factor, other than a lack of folic acid that may interfere with the proper development of essential organs during pregnancy.

Calcium is an essential nutrients element in man's diet. The requirement of calcium is 1000mg per day but for a pregnant woman more than this is required because of the developing feotus. Calcium helps in bone development, heart and nervous system functioining. When calcium is not available for developing embryo its lead to soft bone formation and Ricket in small children. Calcium can be gotten from green vegetables, fruits such as citrus, milk product such as cheese and yoghurt.

Iron is also an essential nutrients element for pregnant woman its helps in the formation of heamoglobin in red blood cell, Heamoglobin in the red blood cell helps in the transport of oxygen in the body. Hence, when iron is low heamoglobin cannot be formed and oxygen circulation is inhibited. Sources of calcium include meat, egg, liver.