1. The Importance of Folic Acid
The single most important thing you can do to prevent spina bifida in your baby is to take folic acid (folate) supplements before and during pregnancy. Folic acid can significantly reduce the risk of spina bifida and other neural tube defects, but it must be taken before conception and during early pregnancy to get the maximum benefit. It is in the first trimester of a pregnancy that the neural tube closes and spina bifida can develop. Because many women do not realize they are pregnant until the end of the first trimester or even the beginning of the second trimester, it is recommended that all women of childbearing age include folic acid supplements in their diet or take a multivitamin that includes at least 400 mcg of folic acid. This B vitamin can also be obtained through vitamin fortified breakfast cereals. If you are planning on getting pregnant, taking a prenatal vitamin prior to conception that includes folic acid is strongly recommended for prevention of spina bifida and other birth defects. One mg per day of folic acid is recommended for pregnant women and those trying to get pregnant.
2. Get Healthy Before Getting Pregnant
Getting your body healthy prior to getting pregnant is another way you can lower your baby's risk of developing spina bifida. Obesity and diabetes are risk factors for spina bifida. It's best to try to get in good shape before getting pregnant by establishing healthy eating habits and exercising regularly. If you have diabetes, you should strive to keep your blood sugars under control as much as possible before conception and throughout your pregnancy. It is particularly important to strictly manage your diabetes during the first trimester of your pregnancy when the neural tube is developing and closing.
3. Avoid Risk Factors
Exposure to certain medications and environmental factors can increase your baby's risk of spina bifida as well. Certain medications, including some anti-seizure medications, have been shown to increase the risk of spina bifida. If you are taking anti-seizure medications, talk to your doctor about alternative treatments. Taking higher doses of folic acid may help counterbalance the negative effect of the medications. Additionally, exposure to high temperatures can also increase your baby's risk of spina bifida. It's best to avoid using hot tubs, saunas and steam baths during early pregnancy.
