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Folic Acid Folic Acid Awareness Week January 8-14, 2017
The B vitamin folic acid has been identified as helping to prevent neural tube defects (NTDs). The neural tube begins to form the baby's brain and spine two to three days after the missed menstrual period and is completely formed within approximately 10 days (27 days after conception). If the neural tube fails to close, two devastating birth defects can occur. Anencephaly, absence or deficiency of a major portion of the cranial vault (skull), results in stillbirth or death shortly after birth. Spina bifida, a visible sack or epithelial defect (opening in the spine), causes varying degrees of disability related to paralysis, lack of bowel and bladder control and hydrocephalus. With the help of medical care, babies born with spina bifida reach adulthood. The lifetime costs associated with a single case of spina bifida, which includes medical, special education, therapy services, and loss of earnings, are estimated to be as high as $1 million. Preventing the Recurrence of Neural Tube Defects Women who have had a previous pregnancy affected by an NTD are greater risk of having another pregnancy affected by an NTD. In 1991, the CDC of the USPHS issued a recommendation for women who have had a previous pregnancy affected by an NTD to consume 400 micrograms (0.4 milligrams) of folic acid every day throughout their childbearing years. When planning future pregnancies, women should be aware that one-month before conception and for the first three months of pregnancy, they need to increase the amount of folic acid ten-fold, to 4.0 milligrams each day. This level can only be obtained through a doctor's prescription. USPHS recurrence recommendation. Folic Acid Healthy Lifestyle Flyers |
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