Maternal Monitoring During Labor Related

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A 26-year-old pregnant woman who is 12 weeks gestation asks the nurse about the importance of folic acid. Which of the following is the best response by the nurse?

  • A. Folic acid helps prevent birth defects of the spine and brain.
  • B. Folic acid increases the chances of having a boy.
  • C. Folic acid prevents nausea during pregnancy.
  • D. Folic acid helps the placenta attach to the uterus.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Folic acid helps prevent birth defects of the spine and brain. Folic acid is crucial during pregnancy as it plays a key role in neural tube development, reducing the risk of neural tube defects like spina bifida. This is supported by research and guidelines.

B: Folic acid does not influence the gender of the baby, as it is determined by the father's sperm.
C: Folic acid does not directly prevent nausea during pregnancy; it is mainly for neural tube development.
D: Folic acid does not specifically help the placenta attach to the uterus; that process is regulated by other factors.

In summary, choice A is correct as it directly relates to the essential role of folic acid in preventing birth defects, while the other choices are unrelated or inaccurate in the context of folic acid's benefits during pregnancy.