Causes
The specific causes of Spina bifida are not known, yet it is thought to be from a contribution of genetic and environmental factors.
Family
Spina bifida sometimes tends to run within families. If a previous child has Spina bifida there is a 1 in 20 chance the second child may also get the condition. However 95% of the time there is no correlation.
Folic acid
It is thought the presence of folic acid may aid in the formation of tissues during embryogenesis. Low levels at the beginning and throughout pregnancy can increase the risk of the foetus developing Spina bifida. Folic acid is a vitamin found in vegetables such as spinach and a few breakfast cereals.
Medication
Mothers taking medicines to treat depression and epilepsy such as carbemazepine and valproate also may increase the likelihood of Spina bifida. It is advised to sexually active women to use contraception when on a course of these medicines.
Article image - Prenatal vitamins including folic acid courtesy of Wiki Commons: commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Prenatal_vitamin_tablets.jpg?uselang=en-gb