Spina Bifida - Prevention

There is no known way to prevent spina bifida. Some research suggests, however, that the risk for neural tube defects can be reduced with folic acid therapy. Folic acid is a member of the vitamin B family. Studies have shown that pregnant women who take small amounts of folic acid have reduced risk for having children with neural tube defects.

Spinal bifida can also be prevented if parents make birth decisions based on blood tests, amniocentesis, and ultrasound tests. These tests can determine with a high degree of reliability if a fetus has neural tube defects. Parents can use this information to make decisions about the future of the fetus.