Final answer:
Folate is important for healthy fetal development, especially during the first trimester. It helps prevent neural tube defects such as spina bifida and anencephaly. Prenatal care is important for monitoring the health of the mother and fetus and reducing the risk of complications.
Step-by-step explanation:
Folate is important for healthy fetal development, especially during the first trimester of pregnancy. The Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine recommends that women who might become pregnant consume at least 400 µg/day of folate from supplements or fortified foods. This is because a deficiency of maternal folate in the first weeks of pregnancy can lead to neural tube defects, such as spina bifida and anencephaly. Taking folate helps prevent these birth defects.
In addition to the benefits for fetal development, prenatal care is important for monitoring the health of both the mother and the fetus. It can help reduce the risk of complications during pregnancy. Women who are planning to become pregnant or who may become pregnant should discuss pregnancy planning with their doctor. They may be advised to take a vitamin containing folic acid and to make certain dietary and lifestyle adjustments to ensure a healthy pregnancy.