The neural tube

		The neural tube becomes the brain and spinal cord. Women need to get enough folic acid before they become pregnant and during the first trimester of pregnancy so that the neural tube can develop properly.

You may ask, "What is a neural tube defect (NTD)?"

		NTDs are birth defects that occur when the neural tube does not form correctly. Neural tube defects usually occur during the first month of pregnancy, before many women know they are pregnant.

Who is at risk for having a baby with an NTD?

All women are at risk, but YOU may be at higher risk.

Some factors which increase risk for NTDs are:

• Race/ethnicity/geographical location: NTDs are more common among women of certain Hispanic subpopulations, and among population groups in Ireland, China, and the United Kingdom.
• Use of anti-seizure medications
• Maternal insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus
• Maternal obesity
• Maternal hyperthermia (i.e., exposure to high temperatures early in pregnancy, such as hot tub use or high fever)
• Previous NTD-affected pregnancy

Important Fact: 90-95% of women who have had an NTD-affected pregnancy had NO family history of NTDs.

Most women do not know they are pregnant when the neural tube is forming.

• More than half of all pregnancies in the US are unplanned or mistimed.
• The neural tube closes so early in pregnancy that most women do not know they are pregnant until it is too late to reduce the risk of these birth defects.
• This is why it is so important for ALL women and teenage girls who can become pregnant to take 400 micrograms of folic acid every day.

		Here is a picture of a family that has been affected by neural tube defects. To learn more about this family, click here.

400 micrograms of folic acid every day lowers the risk of NTDs by 50 to 70%!

The Institute of Medicine recommends that all women and teenage girls who can become pregnant consume 400 micrograms of folic acid every day in addition to food folate from a varied diet.

The recommendation is for ALL women who can become pregnant because...

• You must take folic acid BEFORE you become pregnant in order to reduce your risk of having a baby with an NTD.
• If folic acid is taken after you find out you are pregnant, it is too late to reduce your risk of an NTD affected pregnancy.

*Remember that more than half of all pregnancies in the US are unplanned and that the neural tube forms very early in pregnancy.

Here's what YOU can do to decrease your risk:

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Considering pregnancy? Find out why YOU should take folic acid NOW!

So pregnancy is the last thing on your mind? Find out why folic acid is important for your health too!

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			Folic Acid Every Day Send comments to webmaster at vbrad@ufl.edu Last updated 15 Dec 2000 About this site