The most effective way to prevent spina bifida (myelomeningocele) is to take folic acid supplements both before and during pregnancy.
Folic acid
The Department of Health recommends that all women who are trying to get pregnant should take a daily supplement of 0.4mg of folic acid. You should also take this supplement for the first 12 weeks of pregnancy because this is when your baby's spine is developing.
Women who are thought to be at higher risk of giving birth to a child with spina bifida may need to take a higher dose of folic acid. This includes women who:
- have diabetes, which is a condition caused by too much glucose (sugar) in the blood
- are taking medicines, such as carbamazepine, which are used to treat epilepsy, a condition that causes repeated seizures (fits)
Your GP will be able to advise you about this.
Folic acid tablets are available on prescription or from pharmacies, large supermarkets and health food stores. Natural sources of folic acid include:
- broccoli
- peas
- asparagus
- brussels sprouts
- chickpeas
- brown rice
- some bread
- some breakfast cereals
If you are taking medication for a condition such as epilepsy, it is important that you check with your GP before taking folic acid. This is because some types of medication can cancel out the effects of folic acid supplements.
