A nurse is providing nutritional advice to a woman considering pregnancy.
What information should the nurse include to minimize the risk of having a newborn with a neural tube defect?

Choice A rationale

Urinary frequency is a common early symptom of pregnancy. It’s caused by an increase of the hormones progesterone and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). The urges tend to reduce in the second trimester. Most women find they have to pee with even more frequency late in pregnancy, from about week 35 on. Near the end of the third trimester, when your baby is preparing for childbirth, the head “drops” down into the pelvis and presses squarely on your bladder — which means you’ll have that gotta-go urge more than ever.

Choice B rationale

While it’s true that urinary frequency can reduce after the first trimester, it’s not accurate to say that it only lasts until the 12th week for most cases. It’s also not entirely dependent on bladder tone. The frequency of urination during pregnancy is primarily due to hormonal changes and the growing uterus putting pressure on the bladder.

Choice C rationale

Although the duration of urinary frequency can vary among individuals, it’s not accurate to say that there’s no way to predict how long it will last in each individual client. Generally, urinary frequency is common during the first trimester and tends to reduce in the second trimester, only to increase again around week 352.

Choice D rationale

Labeling urinary frequency as a “minor inconvenience” that should be ignored is not an appropriate response. It’s important to validate the client’s experiences and provide accurate information. Urinary frequency is a normal part of pregnancy due to increased hormones and pressure on the bladder from the growing uterus.

Choice A rationale

While iron-rich foods are important for overall health and preventing anemia, they do not specifically minimize the risk of having a newborn with a neural tube defect.

Choice B rationale

Limiting alcohol consumption is crucial during pregnancy as it can lead to fetal alcohol syndrome. However, it does not specifically target the prevention of neural tube defects.

Choice C rationale

Aspartame, an artificial sweetener, has been a topic of debate regarding its safety during pregnancy. While it’s generally considered safe in moderation, avoiding foods containing aspartame does not specifically prevent neural tube defects.

Choice D rationale

Consuming foods fortified with folic acid is the most effective way to prevent neural tube defects. Folic acid is a B vitamin that is crucial for proper brain and spine development in the early stages of pregnancy.