Women of childbearing age have been urged to take folic acid supplements, even if they are not planning a family. The Scottish Spina Bifida Association said 15 babies had been born in Scotland with the condition since January - double the normal number. It said folic acid supplements, which research suggests can prevent many cases, were often taken too late.
Its advice targets all sexually active women of childbearing age because of the numbers of unplanned pregnancies. Children born with spina bifida are often paralyzed from the waist down and can suffer lifelong spinal cord, bowel and bladder problems. Some children also have brain damage. Four weeks Research suggests up to 75% of cases could be prevented by the mother taking folic acid three months before conception, and during pregnancy. The spinal cord develops within the first four weeks of pregnancy so by that stage it's too late.
Bonnie - yet another example of the importance of taking folic acid.
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