My Husbands sister had a baby with spina bifida, will our chances be increased when we try to have a baby?

Answer 1

Not really no.

Spina Bifida is a birth defect that is not genetically linked to family history. You would be at an increased risk if you had had a previous spina bifida pregnancy.

95% of spina bifida and similar conditions occur with no family history.

If you are planning on becoming pregnant you should take folic acid tablets that help with the development of the spine and help to prevent the condition. This should be taken pre-conception until the foetus is around 12 weeks old.

There are some very accurate tests that give risks associated with spina bifida and other birth problems that you can opt to have once you are pregnant if you wish.

Good Luck!

Answer 2

Spina Bifida is a defect which is present at birth. In Britain, incidence varies from one area to another. Spina Bifida is only partially hereditary. However once there has been an affected pregnancy, there is an increased risk of further Spina Bifida pregnancies. The risk of an adult with Spina Bifida having a child with a similar condition is approximately 1 in 25. Consultation with a Genetic Counsellor can be arranged through your Genetic Practitioner to discuss the risk of Spina Bifida occuring.


Several studies have shown that folic acid significantly reduces the risk of spina bifida. The Department of Health recommends that women should take a daily supplement of 0.4mg of folic acid while they are trying to become pregnant, and for the first twelve weeks of pregnancy. Women who have a family history of spina bifida should take a higher dose (5mg daily).
Folic acid tablets can be obtained from pharmacies, large supermarkets, health food stores and by prescription (the higher dose is only available on prescription).
Folic acid supplements do not increase the risk of miscarriage.
http://www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/articles/article.aspx?articleId=344§ionId=1

Answer 3

I'm not sure about spina bifida being genetic, but if it bothers you, there are genetic counselors at every hospital and clinic to talk to. They could do tests to find out. I had a pregnancy where the baby had clubbed feet, and the left ventricle of the heart collapsed..they did tests on me and my husband to make sure it was not genetic..That would be the best bet for you if you are concerned. That is a very important, good question.

Answer 4

My husbands older brother was born with spina bifida and we have two very healthy children who were born with no signs of it. I did get the blood test done with our first child to make sure. If it worries you, have the "triple check" blood test done or talk to a genetic counselor to see what your chances are for it to be passed on. Also my husband showed no signs of the disorder either. Good luck and dont worry! im sure it will be just fine

Answer 5

Assume yes. Call your doctor's office and ask for a prescription for the recommended amount of folic acid and begin while you are still 'trying'. This is 4-5 mg (not the 400-800 micrograms typically recommended). To my knowledge, they have not yet ruled out genetics as a cause for neural tube defects.

Answer 6

My older sister died of spinal bifida. My mom had four more kids without it. To be on the safe side, I took 2mg. of folic acid daily. You can get that dose if you take more than one pill per day. I have four healthy children.

Answer 7

Take Folic Acid, starting before you get pregnant.

Answer 8

I think your chances will be increased but only very slightly. When you have your scans raise this issue with them as scans detect things such as this.