What condition does folic acid prevent during pregnancy?

Folic acid plays a crucial role in the prevention of fetal neural tube defects during pregnancy. Neural tube defects are serious birth defects of the brain and spine that occur in the early stages of embryonic development, often before a woman even knows she is pregnant. These defects can lead to conditions such as spina bifida and anencephaly.

Supplementing with folic acid before conception and during early pregnancy helps ensure that the neural tube closes properly. This is particularly important because the neural tube forms within the first 28 days after conception, a period during which many women may not realize they are pregnant. Consequently, adequate folic acid intake is strongly recommended for women of childbearing age to reduce the risk of these defects.

While gestational diabetes, low birth weight, and preterm labor are important concerns during pregnancy, they are not directly prevented by folic acid supplementation. Instead, these conditions are influenced by a variety of other factors, such as maternal health, lifestyle, and genetics. Thus, the direct association of folic acid with the prevention of neural tube defects is what makes it the correct answer.