Meet Sara. She is one of countless women who, with her partner Dave, have been thinking about having a baby and, through their thorough research, came across a particular set of birth defects called Neural Tube Defects, or NTD’s, which affect 1 in every 500 newborns.

The most common of these is Spina Bifida. This is diagnosed when a newborn's spine and spinal cord do not develop properly in the womb, causing a gap in the spine with or without hydrocephalus, a buildup of fluid in the brain, which causes further damage.

Like all parents, they feel their future baby deserves the best possible health, but with the causes of over 50% of birth defects unknown, the important question is: how can this be prevented?

Through their research, Sara and Dave came across the International Federation for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus.

There, the couple not only learned that the World Health Organisation recommends taking a daily folic acid supplementation of 400mcg for at least 12 weeks before conception, but also, to their surprise, with the appropriate treatment and support, many children with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus reach adulthood.

Although it can be a very challenging condition to live with, many can lead independent and fulfilling lives.

However, most NTDs are preventable and parentstobe can take actions by keeping a healthy lifestyle and balanced diet of foods containing the natural form of folic acid and supplements as well as other micronutrients: the building blocks for a healthy pregnancy.

When it comes to our children, there is no such thing as being too prepared. Together, through the adequate planning of pregnancies, women, and men, can increase the chances of having positive outcomes on their infants' health.

For more information, please visit www.ifglobal.org.