Folic acid supplementation is recommended during which period to reduce neural tube defects?

• A. During pregnancy
• B. Preconceptual period and during pregnancy
• C. Only during the last trimester
• D. After birth

Answer: (B)

Folic acid helps only if it’s already present during the very early weeks when the neural tube is forming in the embryo. That formation happens before many people know they’re pregnant, so starting folic acid before conception and continuing through early pregnancy ensures adequate folate during the critical window. This substantially lowers the risk of neural tube defects such as spina bifida and anencephaly. Beginning supplementation only in the last trimester misses the key period of neural tube closure, and taking it after birth cannot influence neural tube development. So the best practice is to start in the preconceptual period and continue into early pregnancy.