A nurse in a prenatal clinic is caring for a client who asks what her estimated date of delivery will be if her last menstrual period was May 4, 2022.
Which of the following is the appropriate response by the nurse?

Choice A rationale

Amniocentesis requires the presence of amniotic fluid. The procedure involves inserting a thin needle into the uterus, through the abdomen, to withdraw a small amount of amniotic fluid for testing.

Choice A rationale

Iron is an important nutrient during pregnancy as it helps to make the extra blood (hemoglobin) you need to supply oxygen to the baby. However, while iron is important for both mother and baby during pregnancy, it does not specifically help to prevent neural tube defects in the fetus.

Choice B rationale

Calcium is crucial during pregnancy as it helps to build your baby’s bones and teeth. However, calcium does not specifically help to prevent neural tube defects.

Choice C rationale

Vitamin C is important for the growth and repair of tissues in all parts of your body during pregnancy. It helps the body to make collagen, an important protein used to make skin, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and blood vessels. However, Vitamin C does not specifically help to prevent neural tube defects.

Choice D rationale

Folic acid is the synthetic form of folate, a type of B vitamin. It’s very important for all people, including pregnant women. It can help prevent major birth defects of the baby’s brain and spine (neural tube defects). Women who are planning to become pregnant should take a multivitamin with 400 micrograms of folic acid every day.