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.

Things You'll Need

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

Instructions

    • 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.

    2. Previous:

    Next:

    • Measles During Pregnancy
      Measles is a highly contagious childhood disease caused by a paramyxovirus and characterized by fever, white spots inside the mouth, runny nose, cough, red eyes and a spreading skin rash. Although its a childhood disease, its still important to prote
    • Anaemia in pregnancy
      Some women become anaemic when they are pregnant, which means they have too few red blood cells in their body. Anaemia can make you even more tired when you’re pregnant, but there are ways to manage it. What are red blood c
    • Itching during pregnancy
      Mild itching is common in pregnancy because of the increased blood supply to the skin. As your pregnancy progresses and as your baby grows, the skin of your abdomen is stretched and this may also feel itchy. Mild itching is u