What dietary recommendation is essential for a pregnant woman to prevent neural tube defects?

Increasing folate intake is essential for a pregnant woman to help prevent neural tube defects (NTDs) in the developing fetus. Folate, also known as vitamin B9, plays a crucial role in DNA synthesis and repair, as well as in cell division and growth. Adequate folate levels before conception and during early pregnancy are vital because they support the proper development of the neural tube, which eventually forms the brain and spinal cord.

Neural tube defects can occur when the neural tube does not close properly during the first few weeks of pregnancy, often before a woman even knows she is pregnant. Studies have shown that women who consume sufficient amounts of folate around the time of conception and during the first trimester significantly reduce the risk of NTDs, such as spina bifida and anencephaly.

While iron, calcium, and fiber are important for pregnancy health, their roles do not specifically address the prevention of neural tube defects in the same direct manner that folate does. Iron is vital for preventing anemia, calcium supports bone health, and fiber aids in digestion, but folate's unique impact on neural tube development makes it the key nutritional recommendation during pregnancy for preventing these defects.