Anencephaly is a fatal condition in which a baby is born with a severely underdeveloped brain and skull. A child born with spina bifida may have permanent paralysis of the lower limbs and may lack bowel and bladder control. An excessive accumulation of spinal fluid in the brain may occur, leading to enlargement of the head and impairment of brain function. In Saskatchewan, approximately one baby is born with an NTD for every thousand babies born. The cause of NTDs is largely unknown.
Experts believe that the cause is related to both genetic and environmental factors.
Women who have had a pregnancy affected by an NTD are at higher risk of having another affected pregnancy, and are considered to be in the high risk category. Several studies conducted in Britain, Hungary and the United States confirm that folic acid decreases the occurrence of NTDs. Women who consume recommended doses of folic acid can reduce the risk of having a child with an NTD by as much as 50 percent. Women in the high risk group can reduce their risk by as much as 70 percent. Folic acid can be found synthetically in vitamin pills, fortified breakfast cereals, and enriched grain products.