Which nutrient is crucial during pregnancy for fetal development?

Folic acid is vital during pregnancy because it plays a significant role in fetal development, particularly in the early stages of pregnancy when the neural tube is forming. This nutrient helps prevent neural tube defects such as spina bifida and anencephaly, conditions that can have serious implications for the fetus. Adequate folic acid intake is crucial not only for the development of the brain and spinal cord but also for overall cell growth and division.

While vitamin D, calcium, and iron are important for various reasons during pregnancy—such as maintaining bone health, supporting maternal blood volume, and oxygen transport—the unique connection of folic acid to neural tube integrity underscores its critical importance. Hence, ensuring sufficient folic acid intake before conception and during the first trimester is a crucial part of prenatal care and health promotion.