Weekly Health Page Articles: Level III NICU

Preventing Birth Defects Starts Prior to Pregnancy

Folic acid is a B vitamin used by our bodies to make new cells. If a woman has enough of it in her system prior to pregnancy, it can help prevent major birth defects of her baby's brain and spine (also known as neural tube defects – NTDs). Among the most common NTDs are anencephaly, encephalocele and spina bifida. 

"Research has shown that women with folic acid deficiences have a greater chance of having a baby with a NTD," says Laura E. Al-Sayed, MD, neonatologist on staff at Saint Francis Medical Center's Family BirthPlace/Level III NICU.  "Women planning to become pregnant should be taking 400 micrograms of folic acid every day."  

To help ensure the health of your future baby, talk to your doctor about these and other common sense precautions: 

• Avoiding alcohol and drugs
• Eating a healthy diet
• Taking prenatal vitamins with enough folic acid
• Exercising and resting
• Getting regular prenatal care

From Weekly Health Page: Jan. 14, 2007