Spina Bifida Association

Mission: To promote the prevention of Spina Bifida and enhance the lives of all those affected.

The Spina Bifida Association of Kentucky is a resource center for children, their families and adults affected by Spina Bifida. SBAK educates parents how to be the best advocate for their child, help recognize common milestones and help children with Spina Bifida reach successes in all areas of physical, cognitive and social development and links to other opportunities in the community that will help the individual function better in educational, career and social settings.

As part of SBAK’s mission to promote the prevention of Spina Bifida, we travel all over the state to talk to women in childbearing age about the importance of Folic Acid. Events we attend include bridal fairs, health fairs, and festivals. Kentucky has one of the highest rate of Spina Bifida, which is double the national average. Taking Folic Acid can reduce the risks by up to 70%. That is huge! See below for more info about Folic Acid. Have you had your Folic Acid?

What is folic acid?
Folic acid is a B vitamin that helps produce new cells. Everyone needs Folic Acid.

When should you start taking folic acid?
Every woman in childbearing age should take 400mcg of folic acid DAILY, whether you are planning pregnancy or not.

Why do women need to take folic acid before pregnancy?
By taking Folic Acid at least a month before pregnancy, can reduce the risk of certain birth defects, like Spina Bifida, by up to 70%.
Not planning pregnancy, so why do you need to start taking folic acid? Certain birth defects happen within the first 28 of pregnancy, this is before a mother know she is pregnant. Since 50%of pregnancies are unplanned, it is important that all women in childbearing age have 400mcg of folic acid daily.

How can you get enough folic acid?
To make sure you get the daily recommended amount of folic acid you can:
• Take a multi vitamin that contains 400mcg of folic acid daily.
• Take a 400mcg folic acid vitamin daily.
• Check your foods. Many cereals, grains, and breads are fortified with folic acid. Read the label and make sure the serving amount equals 100% of your folic acid daily value.

Remembering to take your vitamin.

It’s easy to forget to take vitamins if you put them in your kitchen medicine cabinet. Put them on your bathroom sink or on your night stand where you will see them every day.