Prevention

Why does spina bifida happen?

At present we don’t know exactly why spina bifida develops, and research continues.

However, we do know that taking folic acid supplements before getting pregnant can reduce the risk of spina bifida in unborn babies. For families with no history of spina bifida the Department of Health recommends women take an ‘over the counter’ dose of 400mcg daily. For families where there is a history of spina bifida, or other neural tube defects, a prescription dose (5mg) of folic acid is needed.

Folic acid should be taken daily for at least 8 weeks prior to conception and through to the 12th week of pregnancy.

The exact reasons why the neural tube develops incorrectly are not yet known but it is probably connected with both genetic and environmental factors are known to contribute. Shine also recommends taking a supplement of B12 (2.5mcg or more) for three months before pregnancy. For more information, please visit www.folicforlife.com