A pregnant client at 8 weeks of gestation asks about the importance of taking folic acid during pregnancy. Which benefit should the nurse explain to emphasize the importance of folic acid supplementation?
It improves maternal blood pressure regulation throughout the pregnancy.
It minimizes the likelihood of preterm labor.
It helps prevent neural tube defects in the developing fetus.
It reduces the risk of gestational diabetes during pregnancy.
Folic acid is essential for preventing neural tube defects (NTDs), such as spina bifida and anencephaly, in the developing fetus. Neural tube formation occurs within the first few weeks of pregnancy, often before a woman knows she is pregnant, which is why adequate folic acid intake during early pregnancy is critical. The incorrect options represent potential benefits of other nutrients or general pregnancy care but are not the primary role of folic acid.
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