What would Motherisk rate as the most significant recent breakthrough in mother-child health care and research?
The most exciting news these days is what medical science has learned about the prevention of neural tube defects, such as spina bifida and anencephaly. We now have concrete evidence that these conditions can be prevented if women take enough folic acid before and while they are pregnant. Folic acid is a vitamin found in foods like dark green vegetables, liver and lentils. Please see our recommendations about Taking Folic Acid Before You Get Pregnant. It is crucial that women of childbearing age get this message.
