Why is folate intake recommended before conception rather than waiting until the pregnancy is confirmed?

Because folate needs to be taken only by men prior to conception and has no impact on embryonic neural tube development in women.

Because folate is only effective in the third trimester and starting it earlier has no benefit, but early use is recommended as a habit for better compliance.

Because neural tube formation occurs in the first few weeks after conception—often before pregnancy is recognized—so adequate folate must be present preconception to prevent defects.

Because folate prevents all types of birth defects regardless of timing, and starting before conception is mainly a legal precaution.