How to Reduce the risk of your baby having spina bifida

Spina bifida is a birth defect involving the neural tube, resulting in an incomplete formation of the spine. Spina bifida is one of the most common birth defects, it occurs within the first few weeks of pregnancy often before a woman knows she's pregnant. Get expert tips and advice on treating and understanding spina bifida or split spine in this video.

Take Action
Avoid drug or alcohol use
Make sure that child is screened regularly
Take folic acid daily during pregnancy

About this Author
Dr. Lyons is a general pediatrician that practices at the Vancouver Clinic in Vancouver, Washington. She went to medical school at the Medical College of Pennsylvania and did her pediatric residency at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, NH. She loves being able to share in the lives of young people every day.