Spina Bifida is the most common permanently disabling birth defect in the United States. An average of eight babies every day are born with spina bifida or similar defects of the brain and spine. There are over 60 million women in the United States who could become pregnant and each one is at risk of having a baby born with spina bifida.

Spina Bifida occurs when the spine of the baby fails to close. This creates an opening of the spinal column. It happens early in pregnancy before most women even know that they are pregnant. 

Because of the opening of the spinal column, the nerves of the spinal column may be damaged or not work properly. This results in some degree of paralysis. Surgery to close the spine is generally done within hours after birth.

Can Spina Bifida be prevented?

The exact cause is not known. Many things can affect the baby, from family genes to things women come in contact with during pregnancy. Research has confirmed a link between a woman not getting enough folic acid (folate) and spina bifida as well as other birth defects. 

Research studies have shown that taking 400 mcg. (micrograms) of folic acid before becoming pregnant and during the first three months of pregnancy can reduce the risk of having spina bifida affect a pregnancy by up to 70%.

Since half of the pregnancies in the United States are unplanned, people who could become pregnant should take a vitamin with 400 mcg. of folic acid every day. Women who have already had a child with spina bifida, have had an affected pregnancy, or have spina bifida themselves should get a prescription for 4000 mcg. or 4 mg. (milligrams) of folic acid for one to three months before they try to become pregnant.