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- Approximately one in 500 babies in Australia are born with a neural tube defects, such as spina bifida.
- 70% of neural tube defects can be prevented by women increasing their intake of folate.

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-Genetic conditions can increase the risk of spina bifida (e.g trisomy 13/18)
-Prevalence of spina bifida is higher in women younger then 20 and women older then 35
- Obese women, those whose body mass index is 30 or more have a higher risk of having a baby with spina bifida; The higher the woman's BMI, the higher the risk.
-A mother who has had a child with spina bifida in previous pregnancies has a 5% increased risk of her next baby having spina bifida
- Spina bifida is more common among white and Hispanic backgrounds, and more common in female babies.
- A woman who was born with a neural tube defect, or who has a close relative with one, has a greater chance of giving birth to a child with spina bifida
-A women with diabetes has an increased risk of their child having spina bifida

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Maternal Nutrition:
- Ensuring food nutrition can either increase or decrease the risk of spina bifida, depending on whether or not the mother is consuming enough of the required nutrients for pregnancy.
- Folate is a B-group vitamin that is needed to assist in the normal cell division and production of new cells.
- It is important during periods of rapid growth, as it ensures that the process of covering the spinal cord is met.
- It also aids in the development of the nervous system of the foetus.
Other Activities:
- Excess heat during early pregnancy has shown to increase the risk of spina bifida.
- Examples include the use of saunas and spas.
- Some medications such as epilepsy, bipolar disease and anti-seizure medications can also impact the chance of the child having spina bifida.

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What is the condition? How does it occur?

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What is the condition? How does it occur?

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Spina bifida is a condition that occurs when the neural tube in the embryo fails to close properly.
This means that the bones that develop into the spine are unable to form properly, leading to an opening in the part of the spine, in which the spinal cord may protrude out. The effects of spina bifida depends on the number of nerves exposed and damaged.

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- Exposure to excessive heat during early pregnancy can lead to spina bifida
- Having access to saunas and spas may increase the risk of using them
- Exposure to agents such as solvents, pesticides, x-ray radiation, may increase the risk of spina bifida.

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Parental Education:
- Those who are more aware in regards to maternal nutrition and pregnancy may ensure folate intake is consumed appropriately before conception. This can decrease the risk of spina bifida in the unborn baby, as this increases the probability of parents caring for themselves in ways that promote the health and development of the child.
- Accessing healthcare, consuming nutritious food, not smoking, avoidinng teratogens such as alcohol and drugs, and preventing illness are more likely to occur in those who are educated about the benefits of maintaining optimal health during pregnancy. Hence, reducing the risks of conditions of low birth weight and birth defects.
Parental Income:
- Non-educated parents are less likely to have a high paying job and are less likely to access health promoting resources during their pregnancy.
- Income does have a large impact by improving the ability of the parents to provide resources, which can enhance outcomes for the unborn baby by promoting optimal growth, health and development.
Access to Healthcare:
- By accessing healthcare throughout the pregnancy, the mother's and baby's health and development can be monitored, and if needed interventions can be placed.