children s health issues
Neural Tube Defects and Spina Bifida
Prevention of Neural Tube Defects
Folate Folate reduces the risk of neural tube defects. ( Folate Deficiency ) beginning 3 months before getting pregnant and continuing through the first 3 months of pregnancy. Women whohave hadan infant with a neural tube defect are at high risk of having another affected infant and should take high doses of folate supplements beginning 3 months before getting pregnant again and continuing through the first 3 months of pregnancy. Folate supplements may not prevent all cases of neural tube defects but can reduce the risk of neural tube defects substantially. Taking folate before and during pregnancy can reduce the risk of neural tube defects. 