Folic acid is a synthetic B vitamin that helps prevent birth defects like spina bifida when taken daily by women before and during early pregnancy. It is needed to make new cells, red blood cells, and helps prevent anemia, heart disease, stroke and cancers. Neural tube defects occur in around 1 in 2,000 births and are the second most common cause of infant mortality, with spina bifida making up 60% of cases. Babies with neural tube defects may experience health issues like hydrocephalus, clubfoot, and require surgery shortly after birth.

1. folic

2. Folic acid is the synthetic form of a water soluble
B vitamin that is needed to:
• Make new cells/cell division
• Make normal-shaped red blood cells
• Help prevent anemia
• Help prevent birth defects
• Help prevent heart disease, stroke and certain
cancers.

4. Take a multi-vitamin with 400 mcg. of synthetic
folic acid every day

5. • Spina Bifida – 60%
• Anencephaly – 30%
• Encephalocele – 10%
Neural tube defects (NTDs) are the second
most common cause of infant mortality.
NTDs occur in 1 out of every 2,000 babies.

6. • Defect of the skull – smaller defect than
anencephaly
• Protrusion of brain or skin-covered brain
• Rarer than the other types of NTDs
• Overall mortality rate about 29%

7. • Neural tube fails to close properly:
• Occurs by 28 gestational days
• Associated problems:
• Hydrocephalus
• Clubfoot
• Vertebral anomalies
• Renal anomalies
• Requires surgery 24-48 hours after birth

8. • Physical Costs: Possible paralysis
(the leading cause of childhood paralysis),
bowel and bladder control problems,
learning disabilities, hydrocephalus,
surgical procedures, latex allergies,
increased health problems with age