Causes

Spina bifida

The causes of spina bifida are not yet known.

However, recent studies indicate the condition is probably caused by a combination of environmental and genetic factors. A number of risk factors for spina bifida are discussed below.

Folic acid

Having an insufficient intake of folic acid during pregnancy can have adverse affects to the development of the neural tube. Folic acid is a type of vitamin that occurs naturally in certain foods such as green vegetables, granary bread, in some breakfast cereals, etc. Tablets containing folic acid are available to purchase in local pharmacies and health stores.

Women with inadequate intake of folic acid are more likely to give birth to a child with spina bifida compared with women who take the recommended dose. The exact mechanism of how folic acid helps to prevent spina bifida is still uncertain, however it has been predicted that it helps regulate the genetic material in preparation for the development of an embryo.

Medication

There has been links with an increased risk of spina bifida and two types of medication - valporic acid and carbamazepine. These medicines are used for treatment of epileptic patients or people with schizoprenia and bi-polar disorders.

Due to these significant links, it has been recommended by experts that sexually active women, who are prescribed with either these types of medication, must use contraception. Also, if you are planning a pregnancy, this issue must be disscussed professionally as alternative medication may be available.

Previous pregnancy

There is a 3-8% chance of giving birth to a child with spina bifida if a previous child of yours has this disorder.

Obesity

Severely obese women with an approximate BMI (body mass index) greater than 40 have a three times increased chance of giving birth to a child having spina bifida compared to women of a healthy weight.

Anencephaly

The cause for anencephaly is also unknown.

Recent studies show that the vast majority of this disorder are multifactorial in thier inheritance pattern therefore showing the possibilities of multiple genes interacting with environmental agents and chance events.

Folic acid and medications, as discussed above, also have equally significance in causing anencephaly as well as spina bifida.

Hypothermia

Maternal hypothermia have been linked to the increased risks for anencephaly, therefore it is advised that pregnant women should avoid hot tubs and other surroundings and environments that may induce hypothermia.

Amniotic band disruption sequence

This condition is caused by disruption of the amniotic membranes, which can cause disturbance of formation of normal tissues in development such as the head and brain.

Genetic deficiencies

In recent animal models, the deficiency of the transcription factor TEAD2 has lead to some possible association with the incidence of anencephalic born babies.

Structure of folic acid. Image courtesy of https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Folicacid2.png. Public domain image