Folic acid prevents birth defects
Neural tube birth defects (NTDs) are a group of serious birth defects including spina bifida and anencephaly that occur before most women are even aware that they are pregnant. NTDs happen when the neural tube, which forms the brain and spine, fails to close properly around the fourth week of pregnancy. This can result in physical abnormalities that can vary from minor to fatal. NTDs are common birth defects and occur in about 200 pregnancies each year in North Carolina.
While scientists don't completely understand how folic acid prevents birth defects, there is ample evidence to suggest that it does. That’s why the standard recommendation is for women to take a multivitamin containing 400 micrograms of folic acid each day.
Spina bifida
Spina bifida may cause leg paralysis, bladder and bowel problems, and/or other serious health complications. The severity of the disability depends on the size and location of the opening on the spine. In most cases, the larger the defect is or the higher it occurs on the spine, the greater the disability. Children born with this condition usually require surgery in the first few days of life. Most people with spina bifida need to use a wheelchair or leg braces throughout their life.
Anencephaly
A baby afflicted with anencephaly is born with a severely underdeveloped brain and skull. This condition is always fatal.
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