Inpatient Obstetric Nurse (NCC) Practice Exam 2025 – Comprehensive All-in-One Guide for Exam Success!

Folic acid plays a critical role during pregnancy primarily because it helps prevent neural tube defects in the developing fetus. Neural tube defects are serious birth defects that affect the spine, brain, or spinal cord, and they occur very early in pregnancy, often before a woman even knows she is pregnant. Adequate folic acid intake is essential, as it aids in the proper development of the neural tube, which forms the brain and spinal cord.

Health recommendations typically suggest that women of childbearing age take a folic acid supplement to ensure they have sufficient levels before conception and during early pregnancy. This preventive measure has been linked to a significant reduction in the incidence of these defects, making folic acid a crucial nutrient for fetal development.

While other nutrients and factors are also important during pregnancy—such as iron for blood production or supporting overall health and appetite—none of those roles directly relate to the prevention of neural tube defects, which highlights the unique and vital importance of folic acid during this critical time.