does anyone know if Spina bifida can be caused by drug useage?? I was born with it. just wondered.?

Answer 1

Causes of Spina Bifida
At this time the cause or causes of spina bifida are not well understood. In a small number of women it appears to be caused by certain medications, most often antiseizure drugs. In some cases it has occurred in the family before, but this is relatively uncommon.


In the majority of cases the cause of the spina bifida is never determined. However, it is now known that taking folic acid, a B vitamin, before a woman becomes pregnant will reduce the chances that the baby will have spina bifida and related conditions of the brain and spinal cord

Answer 2

Some medications are believed to cause it. No one really is sure exactly what the cause of spina bifida is at this time. See attached link for more information.

Answer 3

back in the 80's a friend of mine got pregnant by the same guy that got another woman pregnant-my friend was so engulfed in worrying about his extreme drug use (shooting up) that she spoke with a doctor about abortion. it was then decided to go ahead with the very painful desicion-she aborted at 3 weeks. the other woman who was pregnant decided to keep her baby (daughter). she was born with spida bifida. the doctor assumed the drug use was to blame, however, we suspect both were using drugs. (doubled the chance).

drugs can interfere with sperm development. chronic drug use has been known to change the shape of sperm as well as genetics the sperm holds.

it is rather a 50/50 issue-still unfounded as solid proof that drugs can cause this common birth defect.

also, my x sister-in-laws first son was born with it and to my knowledge she did not do drugs. it was then since found out through looking at geneology that there was one known person in the family line who was born with spida bifida.