How to Prevent Spina Bifida

Among the most common severe birth defects in the United States, spina bifida is a neural tube defect (NTD) affecting anywhere from 1,500 to 2,000 babies born annually. It is the most common of the NTDs. Spina bifida affects the fetal development of the brain, spinal cord and backbone. Researchers have made great progress in defining ways to help prevent this debilitating birth defect. Read on to learn how to prevent spina bifida.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Folic acid
• Prenatal vitamins
• Egg yolks
• Dark green vegetables

1. Take folic, a B-vitamin also called folate. A growing amount of research indicates that women who take 400 micrograms of folic acid every day before and during pregnancy significantly reduce the risk of having a child with spina bifida or another NTD. Folic acid is in most prenatal vitamins and many multi-vitamins.
2. Eat foods naturally high in folic acid such as egg yolks, dark green vegetables and some kinds of fruit.
3. Check product labels at your grocery store. A number of foods, including cereals, breads, pastas and rice, are fortified with folic acid.
4. Become involved in raising awareness, support and funds for spina bifida research. The National Institutes of Health and other organizations conduct ongoing research into this and other NTDs. Go to the Spina Bifida Association of America's website to get involved.

Tips & Warnings

• Some studies suggest that if all women in the United States consumed the recommended dose of folic acid every day during pregnancy, this may prevent NTDs in up to 70 percent of cases.
• Consult with your physician about the amount of folic acid to take before and during pregnancy if you have already had a child with spina bifida or another NTD or if you have spina bifida, diabetes or suffer from seizures.
• Never take more than 1,000 micrograms of folic acid without clearing it with your physician.
• Hispanic babies are at greatest risk for spina bifida. According to research they are one and a half to two times more likely to have a NTD at birth.
• If you have already had a child with spina bifida or you suffer from it yourself, you are at greater risk of having a baby with spina bifida or another NTD.