What is the role of folic acid during pregnancy?

Folic acid plays a critical role during pregnancy primarily by helping to prevent neural tube defects in the developing fetus. Neural tube defects are serious birth defects of the brain and spine that can occur early in pregnancy, often before a woman even knows she is pregnant. Adequate intake of folic acid before conception and during early pregnancy is essential for proper neural tube closure, which typically occurs within the first month of gestation.

Folic acid is a B vitamin that aids in the production and maintenance of new cells, which is particularly important during periods of rapid growth, such as pregnancy. By supporting the healthy development of the neural tube, which later forms the brain and spinal cord, folic acid significantly reduces the risk of conditions such as spina bifida and anencephaly. This is why it is commonly recommended for women who are planning to conceive or are in early pregnancy to take folic acid supplements to ensure adequate levels are present at a critical time for fetal development.

In contrast, while there may be some associations with maternal energy levels and gestational diabetes, these are not the primary roles of folic acid. Similarly, promoting fetal bone development is more closely associated with other nutrients like calcium and vitamin D.