Which of the following supplements should be consumed by the pregnant woman in 1st trimester of pregnancy to… - IGNOU Post B. SC. Nursing entrance -2021

IGNOU Post B. SC. Nursing entrance -2021

Obstetrics & Gynaecology

Easy

Appeared in: IGNOU Post B. SC. Nursing entrance -2021

Explanation

Folic acid is essential for DNA synthesis and cell division, which are critical processes during the rapid growth of the fetus in the first trimester.
The neural tube, which develops into the brain and spinal cord, closes by the 28th day after conception. Insufficient folic acid during this critical window can lead to severe birth defects known as neural tube defects (NTDs), like spina bifida.
Because this crucial development happens so early, often before a woman knows she is pregnant, supplementation is recommended to begin at least one month before conception and continue through the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.

Option A: While folic acid is correct, this option is less precise because it includes iron. Iron's primary role is to prevent maternal anemia and support the increased blood volume, with needs rising significantly in the second and third trimesters. It is not directly involved in preventing neural tube defects.
Option B: Calcium is vital for the development of the fetus's bones and teeth. The greatest demand for calcium is in the later stages of pregnancy, particularly the third trimester. It does not play a primary role in preventing neural tube defects.
Option D: Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) is an antioxidant that supports the immune system and, importantly, enhances the absorption of dietary iron. It is not the specific supplement required to prevent neural tube defects.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Nutritional supplementation in pregnancy for prevention of congenital defects as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses play a crucial role in preconception and early prenatal counseling, educating women of childbearing age about the importance of starting folic acid before pregnancy to ensure adequate levels during the critical period of neural tube development.
Since many pregnancies are unplanned, routine folic acid supplementation or consumption of fortified foods (like cereals and bread) is a key public health strategy to reduce the incidence of NTDs.
What if? If a woman has a history of a previous pregnancy affected by a neural tube defect, the recommended dose of folic acid is significantly higher (4 mg/day instead of the standard 400-600 mcg/day) to reduce the recurrence risk. This is a critical point for nursing assessment and patient education.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key phrases in the question: "prevent neural tube defect" and "1st trimester".
This is a factual recall question that links a specific congenital condition (NTD) to a specific nutritional intervention.
Analyze each option based on its primary function during pregnancy.
Recall that neural tube closure is one of the earliest and most critical developmental events, occurring in the first few weeks.
Eliminate options whose main roles are related to later pregnancy stages (like iron for blood volume and calcium for bone mineralization) or supportive functions (like Vitamin C for iron absorption).
Select the supplement that is directly and specifically responsible for preventing neural tube defects, which is folic acid.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Nutritional supplementation in pregnancy for prevention of congenital defects
Stem keywords: pregnant woman, 1st trimester, prevent neural tube defect
Lead-in keywords: Which
Clinical cues: Age/sex group narrows the expected diagnosis, intervention, or normal reference range.
Negative lead-in flag: false

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E6 Biochemistry U Satyanarayana— Part 2 (pp 421-820 of 840) p. 139-141

E6 Obstetrics Williams p. 81-95