pediatrics
Spina Bifida
Prevention of Spina Bifida
Folate supplementation (400 to 800 mcg orally once/day) in women beginning 3 months before conception and continuing through the 1st trimester reduces the risk of neural tube defects (see Prevention ). Women who are considered at high risk of neural tube defects, ie, women whohavehad a fetus or infant with a neural tube defect, should take folate 4 mg (4000 mcg) orally once/day. 