A folate deficiency during pregnancy increases the risk of which of the following?

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BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

Begin by understanding the clinical consequence of folate deficiency in pregnancy, which is a cornerstone concept in obstetrics and nutrition.
Option 1: 'Megaloblastic or macrocytic anemia' This is a classic hematologic consequence of folate deficiency because folate is essential for DNA synthesis in rapidly dividing cells, including red blood cell precursors. Without sufficient folate, erythroblasts fail to divide properly, leading to enlarged, immature cells and macrocytosis.
Option 2: 'Low-birth-weight infants' Folate status in pregnancy has been linked to fetal growth; inadequate folate can contribute to suboptimal fetal development and growth restriction, which may manifest as low birth weight. While not as direct as neural tube defects, it is a recognized associated outcome.
Option 3: 'Neural tube defects, such as spina bifida' Neural tube formation occurs very early in gestation and requires adequate folate. Folate deficiency is a well-established risk factor for neural tube defects, including spina bifida, making this a key association.
Option 4: 'All of these are associated with folate deficiency during pregnancy.' Since each of the previous options describes a plausible and supported consequence of insufficient folate during pregnancy, the collection of all listed effects correctly represents the spectrum of risks.
To differentiate: If one believes only one outcome is linked, they may overlook the multifaceted role of folate in DNA synthesis (affecting hematopoiesis), fetal growth, and neural tube development. Recognize that folate supports rapid cell division across multiple tissues, so deficiency can manifest in blood abnormalities, growth-related outcomes, and congenital anomalies. This holistic view explains why the collective option is accurate.
In summary, the chain of reasoning connects folate’s role in DNA synthesis to red blood cell maturation (anemia), highlights fetal growth implications (low birth weight), and emphasizes neural tube formation (neural tube defects), all of which can be affected by insufficient folate during pregnancy, supporting the inclusion of all listed consequences.

A folate deficiency during pregnancy increases the risk of which of the following?

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