Neural tube birth defects, such as spina bifida and anencephaly, lead to  brain damage and paralysis of the newborn child. Women can reduce their risk of having an affected child by taking daily 4 mg. of folic acid (vitamin B9). An  eight-year study conducted by doctors at the hospital of St. Bartholomew (London), proved that women who previously had children with neural tube birth defects and took 4 mg. of folic acid (vitamin B9) per day, reduced the risk of birth of another child with the same diagnosis by 72%. Usually, if a woman had a baby with a birth defect, the risk of defect increases with the next pregnancy.

 

Folic acid (vitamin B9) is abundant in green leafy vegetables, different kinds of cabbage, parsley, cucumbers, tomatoes, beets, legumes and oranges. Also rich in folic acid are chicken, beef liver, eggs and brown bread of coarse grind. Unfortunately, when cooked, this vitamin is destroyed, and the longer the food is cooked, the less vitamins are retained. Therefore, it is important to protect the fetus from birth defects by eating fresh, raw fruits and vegetables, and salads made from them. Also, to protect the unborn fetus, women should start taking folic acid before pregnancy. Waiting longer is too late, because the defect is formed in the first 28 days after conception, that is, before a woman knows she is pregnant.

 

Conclusion - Women who wish to become pregnant should take 4 mg. of folic acid daily to prevent neural tube birth defects and provide fetal protection.