What could be a consequence of inadequate prenatal vitamin intake?

Inadequate prenatal vitamin intake can lead to an increased risk of neural tube defects. These defects occur when the neural tube, which develops into the baby’s brain and spinal cord, does not close properly. Essential vitamins, particularly folic acid, are critical during the early stages of pregnancy to ensure proper neural tube development. Insufficient folic acid intake has been widely studied and shown to significantly correlate with higher instances of neural tube defects such as spina bifida and anencephaly.

It's important for expectant mothers to consume adequate prenatal vitamins to help prevent these serious congenital conditions. This need for supplementation emphasizes the role of nutrition during pregnancy in fetal health outcomes.