A nurse is educating a pregnant patient on the importance of folic acid. Which of the following statements by the patient indicates that the teaching has been effective?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because taking folic acid throughout the entire pregnancy is crucial for supporting fetal development, especially in the early stages when the neural tube is forming. This statement reflects the patient's understanding of the importance of consistent folic acid intake during pregnancy.
Choice B is incorrect because waiting until after the first trimester misses the critical period when the neural tube develops. Choice C is incorrect as folic acid is recommended for all pregnant women regardless of family history. Choice D is incorrect because while folic acid is beneficial for fetal development, it is not specifically linked to reducing the risk of gestational diabetes or hypertension.