6 risk factors behind spina bifida, are you included?

Have you ever heard of the term spina bifida? Spina bifida is a form of congenital abnormality that occurs when the neural tube of the spine does not close completely.

When the neural tube changes shape, the spine cannot form and close completely. As a result, nerves and spinal cord can be damaged.

Although the cause is not known with certainty, a number of factors are considered to increase the risk of spina bifida. For more details, always see the explanation here!

What factors can increase the risk of spina bifida?

In normal development of the fetus, the spinal cord tube forms early in pregnancy. The tube must close completely when the embryo reaches 28 days.

In infants with spina bifida, the nerve tubes do not form or close completely. As a result, leave a gap and cause defects in the spine.

Spina bifida is a congenital abnormality that is more common in Caucasians and Hispanics. Gender will also affect the risk of congenital malformations. Because the number of female babies victims of spina bifida is higher than boys.

The researchers themselves do not know the exact cause of spina bifida. However, it is thought that several factors increase the risk of developing this congenital disease. What are these risk factors?

1. Influence of hereditary factors

Spina bifida, including congenital anomalies, which can also be influenced by genes. Couples who have children with spina bifida are more likely to have children with the same disorder again.

2. folate deficiency
Folate or vitamin B9 is very important for fetal growth, especially during the first trimester of pregnancy. Adequate folate intake is also thought to prevent spina bifida.

This pregnant woman's nutrition can be obtained naturally by eating spinach, kale, beans, avocados, beets, oranges, etc. Obstetricians will usually also prescribe folic acid supplements to make sure they are adequate.

3. The use of certain drugs

Pregnant women who use any medication are more likely to give birth to children with congenital abnormalities, including spina bifida. Drugs that are considered drug-related include anti-epileptic drugs, such as valproic acid and drugs for bipolar disorder.

If you use these medicines and plan to have a baby, see your doctor. For example, your doctor may prescribe a replacement drug or prescribe folic acid supplements at a higher than normal dose.

4. Having diabetes

Pregnant women with diabetes or gestational diabetes must control their blood sugar during pregnancy. This step is needed to minimize the risk of giving birth to babies with congenital abnormalities, including spina bifida.

5. get fat

Fat women are more likely to give birth to babies with congenital abnormalities. One of them is spina bifida. Therefore, try to lose weight to approach the ideal number before becoming pregnant.

6. Increase in body temperature

Have you ever heard that pregnant women can't take a hot shower or sauna? This hypothesis does not make sense.

Increased body temperature in pregnant women while taking a hot bath or sauna has the potential to cause birth defects in infants, including spina bifida. Other increases in body temperature can also be caused by fever.

If you think you have the risk factors for spina bifida mentioned above and plan to get pregnant, don't hesitate to consult a doctor. With this you can reduce the potential for giving birth to a baby with spina bifida.

Precautions are very important because spina bifida is a congenital abnormality that can cause physical and mental disability in patients. While gravity depends on two things, namely the size and position of the cleft formed in the spine and the presence or absence of the affected nerve and spinal cord.