Health encyclopaedia

Health encyclopaedia - Alphabetical Topic List

Prevention of Spina bifida

Several studies have shown that taking a small amount (0.4mg) of folic acid every day before pregnancy and during early pregnancy significantly reduces the risk of spina bifida.

Taking an over-the-counter dose of folic acid, such as those found in multivitamin tablets, for several weeks before and 12 weeks after conception seems to be enough. No more than 0.4 mg per day is normally required, but if a neural tube defect has been discovered in one pregnancy, a much larger dose is required to prevent such a defect recurring in a later pregnancy. To be effective, folic acid must be being taken at the time the neural tube is formed.

The incidence of spina bifida in the USA has gone down by almost 20% since folic acid was added to bread and pasta, by law, in 1998.

Folic acid supplements do not increase the risk of miscarriage.

• SARSScabiesScarlet feverScarsSchizophreniaSciaticaScoliosisScurvySeasonal affective disorderSecond opinionSelf-injurySeptic shockSexual health clinicsSexually transmitted infectionsShinglesShort-sightednessSick building syndromeSickle-cell anaemiaSinusitisSjogren's syndromeSlapped cheek syndromeSleep apnoeaSlipped discSmear testSmoking (quitting)SnoringSore throatSpina bifidaSpinal muscular atrophySports injuriesSprainsSquintStaphylococcal infectionsSterilisationStillbirthStings, insectStings, marine creaturesStreptococcal infectionsStressStretch marksStrokeSubarachnoid haemorrhageSubdural haematomaSudden infant death syndromeSuicideSunburnSupraventricular tachycardiaSyphilis

  ---