Folic acid deficiency in a pregnant woman increases the risk of which fetal condition?

Folic acid deficiency during pregnancy is critically linked to the development of neural tube defects in the fetus. Folic acid plays an essential role in the proper formation of the neural tube, which eventually develops into the brain and spinal cord. A deficiency in this vitamin during the early stages of pregnancy can result in incomplete closure of the neural tube, leading to serious conditions such as spina bifida or anencephaly. This is why adequate folic acid intake is strongly recommended before conception and during pregnancy to reduce the risk of these severe outcomes.

While other conditions like hypoxic encephalopathy, intrauterine growth restriction, and cleft lip and palate are significant concerns in prenatal care, they are not as closely associated with folic acid levels as neural tube defects. Therefore, understanding the relationship between folic acid and neural tube development is crucial for reducing the risks involved in pregnancy.