Fact Sheet; Women's Health; Scientific American Presents; by Staff Editor; 2 Page(s)

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) , in the U.S. 4,000 babies a year are born with spinal and other defects because of a lack of folic acid, or vitamin B12, in the mother's diet. If a woman doesn't take in enough folic acid during pregnancy, birth defects can occur during the first few weeks of fetal development-often before the woman realizes she's pregnant. The U.S. Public Health Service recommends that women get 400 micrograms of folic acid in their diet or vitamin supplement each day regardless of whether they are trying to conceive. Most women between 19 and 34 get only 200 micrograms a day. Breakfast cereals, beans and leafy green vegetables are good food sources of folic acid.

Do you experience an unpleasant burning sensation during urination? You could have a urinary tract infection (UTI), which is treatable with antibiotics from your doctor. UTIs result when bacteria from the vulva enter the urethra and travel upward to the usually sterile bladder or kidneys. One of the best ways to avoid a UTI is to urinate as soon as possible after intercourse to keep bacteria flushed out.