Why is folic acid important for a pregnant woman?
• Folic acid is an essential nutrient for a developing fetus. Its most important function is to reduce the risk of defects in the unborn child’s brain and nervous system (neural tube defects). • Neural tube defects can develop very early in pregnancy even before the mother may know she’s pregnant. That’s why it’s important for all women who could possibly become pregnant to get the right amount of folic acid in their diet.
