Maternal age<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThough the exact mechanisms are unknown, maternal age is closely linked with the chance of a fetus developing Spina bifida and other neural tube defects. Spina bifida is most often seen in pregnant women under the age of 19, and the younger the mother the higher the chances are of the defect developing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are several other factors that come into play in the development of spina bifida, mainly the levels of vitamin B-9 in the body. It is thought that developing bodies such as those in teenage girls consume higher amounts of folic acid which leaves less available for fetal development. Also, most women of childbearing age won\u2019t begin taking a multivitamin <\/a>containing folic acid until they are older. <\/p>\n\n\n\nTaking pregnancy supplements as soon as one becomes aware of their pregnancy is the best way to support healthy neural tube development and growth. These should contain high amounts of folic acid and must be consumed during the entire first trimester to reduce the chances of spina bifida from developing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\r\n
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