North American Registry of Midwives (NARM) Practice Exam

What specific vitamin must a vegetarian pregnant mother pay extra attention to?

1. Folic Acid

2. Vitamin D

3. Vitamin B-12

4. Iron

The correct answer is: Vitamin B-12

Vegetarian pregnant mothers should pay special attention to Vitamin B-12 because this vitamin is primarily found in animal products, making it more challenging for those following a vegetarian or vegan diet to obtain adequate levels. Vitamin B-12 is crucial during pregnancy as it plays a vital role in the development of the fetal nervous system and the formation of blood cells. Deficiency in this vitamin can lead to serious complications for both the mother and the developing fetus, such as anemia and an increased risk of neural tube defects. While folic acid, vitamin D, and iron are also important for pregnant women, they can typically be sourced from plant-based foods or supplements. Folic acid is found in leafy greens, legumes, and fortified foods, vitamin D can be synthesized by the body through sunlight exposure and is also added to some plant-based milks, and iron can be obtained from legumes, nuts, seeds, and fortified cereals. However, Vitamin B-12 must be intentionally included in a vegetarian diet, often through fortified foods or supplements, highlighting the need for extra attention from vegetarian pregnant women in ensuring they meet their daily requirements.