Spina Bifida & Pregnancy
During the 1st Month
Pregnancy Oh My!
The moment a woman conceives a child her whole life changes. Whether the woman
chooses to keep the child, give the child up for adoption, or abort the fetus she will be forever
changed. During the nine months of gestation a woman’s body goes through numerous changes,
some experiences are better than others, but every woman’s experience is usually different. Even
though every woman’s pregnancy is not the same, the lifestyle choices the individual makes can
be detrimental to the fetus. For example if a woman chooses to smoke, drink alcohol, and/or
drink coffee it could lead to health ailments such as Spina Bifida.
What is SB?
Reason for Concern?
Conclusion
Based on the findings cigarette, alcohol, and caffeine consumption to not increase the chances of a fetus being born with SB. However, the researchers noted there was a significant amount of bias that could have let to the conclusion. Such as, the data on exposure was collected by maternal self-report, and the data being stratified by FA intake. Even though the researchers did not receive the results intended, they still stress the importance of keeping your intake of cigarettes, alcohol, and caffeine during pregnancy.
Reference
Benedum, C. M., Yazdy, M. M., Mitchell, A. A., & Werler, M. M. (2013). Risk of spina bifida and maternal cigarette, alcohol, and coffee use during the first month of pregnancy. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 10(8), 3263-3281. doi: http://dx.doi.org.lib-ezproxy.tamu.edu:2048/10.3390/ijerph10083263