Causes & Risk Factors Of Spina Bifida

Maternal Diabetes

Having unusually high blood sugar spikes can end up causing spina bifida to develop in infants. The precise mechanisms that result in this condition due to high blood sugar are not known, but it seems the abnormal sugar metabolism affects the baby's development in some way. It can be a particularly common cause of spina bifida because many pregnant women have gestational diabetes, which is abnormally high blood sugar that does not happen outside of pregnancy. Risks are much higher if blood sugar levels are elevated in early pregnancy instead of later pregnancy. Because this can cause spina bifida, it is important for expectant mothers to monitor their blood sugar levels carefully. Avoiding sugary foods and taking any prescribed insulin can be a huge help.