Week 1 of Pregnancy
At this stage, the sperm and egg have not yet united, and a fetus has not formed. Mature eggs and sperm reside in you and your partner’s bodies, respectively. The egg is in an optimal state, awaiting the healthiest sperm. Although referred to as the first week of pregnancy, conception has not yet occurred. If conception is successful this month, your next menstrual cycle will resume after childbirth. During preconception, focus on consuming foods rich in zinc, iron, calcium, and folic acid to support early embryonic development. Maintain a balanced diet and avoid high-calorie, low-nutrient foods.

Essential Nutrients for Preconception

• 1. Increase Intake of Folic Acid-Rich Foods
  Folic acid reduces the risk of neural tube defects (NTDs) in newborns by up to 70%. Include fresh vegetables such as spinach, romaine lettuce, and carrots; fruits like kiwi, cherries, and waxberries; and foods such as animal liver and eggs in your diet.
• 2. Increase Intake of Iron-Rich Foods
  Iron deficiency during preconception may lead to anemia, increasing risks of reduced immunity, impaired fetal cognitive development, miscarriage, or premature birth during pregnancy. Recommended foods include black rice, pig’s blood, pig liver, eggs, black fungus, and red dates.
• 3. Increase Intake of High-Quality Protein Foods
  Insufficient protein intake before or during pregnancy may result in delayed embryonic development or congenital disorders. Sources of high-quality protein include dairy, eggs, meat, fish, and soy products.
• 4. Increase Intake of Vitamin E-Rich Foods
  Vitamin E protects cell membranes, promotes follicle maturation, and supports ovulation. Obtain vitamin E from nuts, flaxseed oil, peanut oil, and other plant seeds or oils.

Week 2 of Pregnancy
During week 2, the fertilized egg divides into two cells, then four, and moves toward the uterus. Upon arrival, it forms a cluster of approximately 30 cells, known as a morula, not yet considered a “baby.” You are now entering early pregnancy. Over the next three months, maintain a positive mood, adhere to regular lifestyle habits, avoid staying up late, and reduce consumption of fried foods and cold beverages. Continue a balanced diet and supplement with folic acid, as deficiency may lead to low birth weight, cleft lip/palate, or heart defects in the fetus. Consider folic acid-fortified maternal milk powder to provide essential nutrients like calcium, iron, and zinc, enhancing absorption.

How to Properly Supplement Folic Acid During Pregnancy

• 1. Supplement Folic Acid from Three Months Before Conception Through Early Pregnancy
  Folic acid is critical for fetal neural tube development. Studies show that daily supplementation of 400 micrograms of folic acid, starting before conception, reduces the risk of NTDs by 70%. Those planning pregnancy should begin supplementation three months prior, and immediate supplementation upon confirmation of pregnancy is also effective.
• 2. Choose Nutrient-Rich Maternal Milk Powder
  In addition to a balanced diet, drinking one glass of maternal milk powder daily provides folic acid, calcium, iron, zinc, and other essential nutrients, supporting maternal health and fetal development.
• 3. Take Folic Acid Tablets
  Supplement with a daily dose of 0.4 mg of folic acid tablets designed for pregnant women, following medical advice. Ensure safe intake, not exceeding 400 micrograms daily under a normal diet.
• 4. Consume Folic Acid-Rich Foods
  Include:
  a. Green Vegetables: Spinach, tomatoes, carrots, broccoli, and rapeseed.
  b. Fresh Fruits: Oranges, strawberries, cherries, bananas, and kiwi.
  c. Animal and Poultry Meat and Eggs: Pig liver, chicken, beef, and lamb.
  d. Beans and Nuts: Soybeans, soy products, walnuts, and almonds.
  e. Grains: Barley, rice bran, wheat germ, and brown rice.