SBA Celebrates National Birth Defects Prevention Month

During January, we celebrate two important times for our community: Folic Acid Awareness Week (January 8 -14) and National Birth Defects Prevention Month. As the New Year begins, the Spina Bifida Association (SBA) seeks to educate our community about important health issues that matter in preventing Spina Bifida-related births. As women look for ways to improve their health and lifestyles throughout the year, SBA encourages them to take the time to learn about the importance of taking 400 (mcg) of folic acid daily before and during pregnancy. For women who have had a Spina Bifida-affected birth or a family history of Spina Bifida, the SBA emphasizes recurrence prevention which means taking a higher dosage (4,000 mcg = 4.0 mg) of folic acid daily to lower the risk of having a pregnancy affected by a neural tube defect.

SBA often receives inquiries from women wondering if they are at risk for a Spina Bifida-related birth given their family or medical history.

What is folic acid and how much should I take?
Folic acid is a vitamin that the body needs to grow and be healthy. In its natural state, folate is found in many foods, but the man-made or synthetic form in pills is actually better absorbed by our bodies.

Half of the pregnancies in the United States are unplanned, and, because of this, the SBA advises women to take a vitamin with 400 mcg (0.4 mg) of folic acid each day during the years of their lives when they are possibly able to have children.

Women should know that if they have a child with Spina Bifida, Spina Bifida themselves, or have already had a pregnancy affected by any neural tube defect in their families, they are at greater risk of having a child affected by Spina Bifida or another neural tube defect. This increased risk might mean they should talk with their doctor about taking 4,000 mcg (4.0 mg) of folic acid for one to three months before and during the first three months of pregnancy.

Can Spina Bifida be detected before birth?
There are three tests that can detect Spina Bifida. 

1. A blood test during the 16th to 18th weeks of pregnancy. This is called the alpha-fetoprotein (AFP screening test). AFP levels are higher in about 75–80 % of women who are carrying a fetus with Spina Bifida.
2. An ultrasound of the fetus. This is also called a sonogram and can show the opening in the spine.
3. A test where a small amount of amniotic fluid from the womb is removed through a thin needle. This is called maternal amniocentesis and can be used to look at protein levels.

Parents should know that no medical test is perfect, and these tests are not always right.

Additional Resources:

• Recurrence prevention video
• Food & Folic Acid: What Every Woman Should Know
• Prenatal Care Tips
• Vitatrack App