Causes & Risk Factors Of Spina Bifida

Obesity

Doctors are not exactly aware of the reason obesity is linked to spina bifida, but statistics show there is a decent correlation between the two conditions. The weight of the baby does not matter, but an obese mother does increase the risk of neural tube congenital disabilities in the fetus. This increase is startlingly high. Babies born to obese women are twice as likely to get spina bifida as babies born to women at a healthy weight. Having a body mass index of thirty or higher greatly increases chances of spina bifida. This increased risk of spina bifida is present even if the mother is not obese during pregnancy. Being obese in the months leading up to pregnancy can also affect the chances of spina bifida.

Continue reading to discover another cause of spina bifida.