1. Spina bifida is a neural tube defect affecting 1 in 2,875 births in the US.
2. Maternal exposure to solvents significantly increases risk.
3. Valproic acid is a known high-risk medication despite folic acid use.
4. Maternal diabetes raises risk two- to sixfold, with pregestational being riskier.
5. Genetics interact with environmental exposures in determining risk.
6. Folic acid supplementation lowers overall risk by about 70%.
7. Increased regulations on pollutants could help reduce incidence.

Source: Pediatric Discovery