Which vitamin is particularly important for fetal neural development during early pregnancy?

Folic acid, also known as vitamin B9, is particularly crucial for fetal neural development early in pregnancy. It plays a vital role in the process of neural tube formation, which occurs in the first month of gestation and develops into the baby's brain and spinal cord. Adequate folic acid intake significantly reduces the risk of neural tube defects, such as spina bifida and anencephaly.

The importance of folic acid cannot be overstated; it is recommended that women begin supplementation before conception and continue during the first trimester to ensure optimal development of the fetal nervous system. This emphasis on folic acid is reflected in public health guidelines and prenatal care recommendations aimed at reducing the incidence of these serious congenital malformations.