Folic acid deficiency. Lack of folic acid (vitamin B-9) increases the risk of spina bifida and other neural tube defects. Doctors must prescribe prenatal vitamins.

Medications. Acne or Anti-seizure medications such as valproic acid (Depakene), seem to cause neural tube defects when taken during pregnancy, perhaps because they interfere with the body's ability to use folic acid. Doctors must closely regulate the medication you are on while pregnant.

Diabetes. The risk of spina bifida increases with diabetes, especially when the mother's blood sugar is elevated early in her pregnancy. Much of this risk is preventable by careful blood sugar control and management.

Increased body temperature. Some evidence suggests that increased body temperature (hyperthermia) in the early months of pregnancy may increase the risk of spina bifida. Most of the evidence surrounds hyperthermia as a result of a fever. Additionally, the use of saunas, hot tubs and tanning beds, which can raise body temperature, also have been associated with an increased risk of spina bifida, suggesting that hyperthermia may indeed play a role.

Obesity. There's a link between pre-pregnancy obesity and neural tube birth defects, including spina bifida.

Race. Spina bifida is more common among Hispanics and whites of European descent.

Family history of neural tube defects. Couples who've had a child with a neural tube defect have a slightly higher chance of having another baby with the same defect.

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