Final answer:
Folate deficiency anemia during pregnancy can lead to a neural tube defect in the baby, which affects the development of the brain, spine, or spinal cord. Adequate folate intake is crucial for preventing these birth defects.
Step-by-step explanation:
Folate deficiency anemia during pregnancy can cause a neural tube defect in the baby, which is the correct answer to the student's question. Neural tube defects are serious birth defects related to the incomplete development of the brain, spine, or spinal cord, and they occur in the first month of pregnancy, often before a woman knows she's pregnant.
Ensuring an adequate intake of folate through diet or supplements is critical during this time. Foods such as leafy green vegetables, whole wheat, fruits, nuts, and legumes are good sources of folate. Supplementing with folic acid, a synthetic form of folate, before conception and during early pregnancy, has been proven to reduce the risk of neural tube defects significantly.