Question

why is folate supplementation recommended for women 1 month before conception and during the first trimester of pregnancy? select one a. to reduce the risk of gestational diabetes b. to prevent severe morning sickness c. to prevent neural tube defects, such as spina bifida, which may occur during the early weeks of pregnancy d. to help reduce the risk of iron - deficient anemia e. to help ensure a healthy maternal weight gain during pregnancy

Explanation:

Folate (folic acid) supplementation before and during early pregnancy is strongly associated with preventing neural tube defects (like spina bifida) because neural tube development occurs very early in pregnancy, often before a woman knows she is pregnant. Option A is incorrect as folate doesn't reduce gestational diabetes risk. Option B is incorrect as morning sickness isn't prevented by folate. Option D is incorrect as iron - deficient anemia is related to iron, not folate. Option E is incorrect as folate doesn't directly ensure maternal weight gain.

Answer:

C. To prevent neural tube defects, such as spina bifida, which may occur during the early weeks of pregnancy