3. Medication
Prescription is known to have long-term side effects that are not always understood. There are some medications that do in fact increase the chances of a person’s pregnancy resulting in various neural tube defects such as spina bifida. Several anti-seizure medications such as Depakene are known to trigger neural tube defects such as spina bifida. It is believed these types of medication reduces the ability of the body to absorb folic acids.
Other medications used to help manage diabetes have been directly linked to an increase in spina bifida and other neural tube defects. Some ingredients contained in herbal supplements may increase the chances of spina bifida or other neural tube defects developing.
Patients who are suffering from epilepsy, obesity, take medications for mental health issues or who have trouble controlling their insulin levels should consider alternatives prior to getting pregnant. Talking to a medical professional prior to pregnancy can reduce the risks.