Learn about this condition which is a neural tube defect and learn how folic acid during pregnancy may help.

Sun Exposure Diminishes Value of Folic Acid Supplements

A team of researchers in Australia have discovered that too much exposure to the UV rays of sunshine depletes folate levels in spite of healthy diet and supplements. ... read more »

Neural Tube Defects

Neural tube defect is the term used to describe problems with the development of the neural tube in the first few weeks of fetal development. Conditions range from mild (spina bifida occulta) to severe (anencephaly) and may cause death in-utero or after birth. ... read more »

Preconconception Vitamins and Folic Acid

Folic acid in combination with a multivitamin supplement has been associated with a decrease in specific birth defects. ... read more »

Folic Acid is Important for TTC and Pregnant Women

Folic acid supplements are often taken after a mother conceives, at that time it's often too late to prevent certain complications. ... read more »

Carbamazepine Linked to Increased Risk for Spina Bifida

Women who suffer from epilepsy often take anti-epileptic medications throughout their pregnancy. ... read more »

Spina Bifida

Spina bifida is a neural tube defect. The neural tube develops in the first weeks of pregnancy and closes by the end of the first month. Spina bifida develops when the neural tube does not close properly. ... read more »

Cluster of Rare Birth Defects in Washington

There's a mystery involving rare birth defects in a small rural area of Washington state that's pitting mothers and medical personnel against the state's health department. ... read more »

Fortifying Flour May Reduce Birth Defect Risk in Hispanic Population

Folic acid is an extremely important vitamin during early pregnancy. ... read more »

Efforts to Reduce Spina Bifida and Other Birth Defects

Fortunately, the rate of birth defects in the United States has plummeted by 32 percent in the last decade according to a press release issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC. ... read more »

How a Folic Acid Deficiency Can Lead to Enduring Defects

Folic acid deficiencies can cause defects in offspring for several future generations. A new study, published in the journal Cell, sheds new light on the role folic acid plays on a molecular level during fetal development. ... read more »

Valproate Dose Linked to Birth Defects

Valproate is a medication prescribed to women with epilepsy. Previous studies have shown a clear connection between the drug and birth defects, leaving some women fearful of starting a family. ... read more »

Trisomy 18 - Edward Syndrome

Trisomy 18 syndrome is a disorder of human chromosomes which occurs in approximately 1 in 6,000 live-born infants. Trisomy 18 is due to the presence of an extra #18 chromosome. ... read more »

Chicken During Pregnancy: Is It Safe?

Take care during pregnancy to ensure that the chicken is fresh and cooked well before eating to avoid diseases caused by the listeria bacteria. ... read more »