The nutritional supplement that is prescribed in early pregnancy is

NHM UP Staff Nurse-2021 Shift-2nd

Obstetrics and Midwifery Nursing

Easy

Appeared in: NHM UP Staff Nurse-2021 Shift-2nd

Explanation

Folic acid, also known as Vitamin B9, is essential for the closure of the neural tube during the first 28 days after conception.
Adequate intake before and during early pregnancy is proven to prevent major birth defects of the central nervous system, such as spina bifida and anencephaly.
Because these defects occur very early, supplementation is recommended for all women of childbearing age, ideally starting before conception.

Option A: High doses of Vitamin A (>10,000 IU/day) are known to be teratogenic, meaning they can cause birth defects, especially in early pregnancy.
Option B: The peak demand for calcium to support fetal bone and teeth development occurs later in pregnancy, specifically during the second and third trimesters.
Option C: Protein is a macronutrient obtained from the diet, and while essential for growth, its demand increases most significantly in the second half of pregnancy. It is not typically prescribed as a specific supplement for early pregnancy.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Nutritional supplementation in early pregnancy as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses play a crucial role in preconception and early prenatal counseling, educating women on the importance of starting folic acid supplementation before trying to conceive to ensure adequate levels during the critical early weeks.
Educating patients on the standard recommended dose of 400 mcg/day is a key nursing intervention for all women of childbearing potential.
What if? If a patient reports a history of a previous pregnancy affected by a neural tube defect, the nurse must recognize this as a high-risk situation. The standard recommendation changes, and the patient should be advised to consult her provider about taking a much higher dose of folic acid (4 mg/day) before her next conception.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question testing knowledge of standard prenatal care guidelines.
Identify the keywords in the question: 'nutritional supplement' and 'early pregnancy'.
Recall the major physiological and developmental events that occur in early pregnancy. The most critical event in the first month is the formation and closure of the neural tube.
Connect this specific developmental event to the nutrient that is essential for it. Folic acid is directly linked to the prevention of neural tube defects.
Evaluate the other options in the context of 'early pregnancy'. Vitamin A is risky in high doses, while the peak need for calcium and protein is in the later trimesters. This makes folic acid the uniquely correct answer for this specific timeframe.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Obstetrics Williams p. 81-95