Nutritional information for wannabe and expecting parents

Given the high number of unplanned pregnancies, should certain foods be fortified with folic acid to protect against neural tube defects, asks Andrea Mara.

AVOID blue cheese, don’t eat rare steak and take care with tuna — there’s plenty of information about nutritional do’s and don’ts when you’re pregnant, but what about before conception?

Are there certain foods you need if you’re planning to become pregnant, and why is it so important to take folic acid?