Risk factors
Risk factors for spina bifida
Diabetes
Lack of folic acid
Vitamin folate is found in foods such as broccoli, peas and other green leafy vegetables. It helps your body make healthy red blood cells and has been found to significantly reduce the chances of NTDs (neural tube defects). Supplements are recommended for those trying to conceive. It is also recommended supplements are taken in the first trimester of pregnancy.
Genetics
Experts believe that both genetics (one or more genes) and environmental factors interact to cause Spina Bifida. Experts know that genes play a role, and they are looking for the exact gene(s) that cause Spina Bifida. However, statistics show that if a woman was born with a neural tube defect, she has a greater chance of giving birth to a child with spina bifida.
Anti convulsant medication
Studies have shown that valproic acid presents the most risk to the developing baby. Along with valproic acid, carbamazepine might increase the risk for spina bifida and cleft palate. Researchers have reported a sixfold increase in spina bifida risk in babies born to women who took the epilepsy drug.
Obesity
Several studies have aimed to find out if obesity and NTDs are linked. One particular study found that there was a two-fold increased risk for obese women. It was also found that heart defects, cleft palate, hydrocephaly, anal abnormalities and a reduction of limb size were all more prevalent in those who were obese.
A mother's high glucose (blood sugar) has been found to lead to the same in the embryo, causing biochemical abnormalities that increase oxidative stress and could lead to incomplete closing of the neural tube, in turn causing such neural tube defects as spina bifida. Some medications taken by people with Type 2 diabetes can also cause problems in the developing foetus.
Prevention
There is no way to guarantee you will not have a baby affected by spina bifida but there are steps you can take to reduce your chances:
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- Taking a 400 microgram folic acid tablet every day you are trying to get pregnant and up until you are 12 weeks pregnant can reduce your likelihood significantly.
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- Maintaining a healthy weight or loosing weight before trying for a baby is currently recommended due to evidence suggesting those overweight or obese have a higher chance of having a baby affected by an NTD.
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There are factors that can increase your chance that you can't do anything about such as family history, if you have had a baby that was affected by spina bifida and having diabetes.