The nurse is preparing a nutritional teaching plan for a client planning to become pregnant. Which foods would best prevent neural tube defects?

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Women who are planning on becoming pregnant should consume 400-800 mcg of folic acid daily. Food options that are rich in folic acid include fortified grain products (eg, cereals, bread, pasta) and green, leafy vegetables (Option B). Inadequate maternal intake of folic acid during the critical first 8 weeks after conception (often before a woman knows she is pregnant) increases the risk of fetal neural tube defects (NTDs), which inhibit proper development of the brain and spinal cord. Common NTDs are spina bifida and anencephaly (lack of cerebral hemispheres and overlying skull). (Option A) Adequate calcium intake is especially important during the last trimester for mineralization of fetal bones and teeth, but it does not prevent NTDs. (Option C) Organ meats (eg, liver) may contain moderately high levels of folate but are consumed more for their high iron content, which can promote red blood cell formation and prevent maternal anemia. (Option D) A prenatal diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids is important for fetal neurologic function and is linked to a lower risk of preterm birth. Dietary sources include wild salmon, anchovies, flaxseed, and walnuts. Educational objective: Women who are planning to become pregnant should consume 400-800 mcg of folic acid daily to prevent neural tube defects (eg, spina bifida, anencephaly). Food options that are rich in folic acid include fortified grain products (eg, cereals, bread, pasta) and green, leafy vegetables.

The Nurse Is Preparing a Nutritional Teaching Plan for a Client