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Women urged to take folic acid before conception to prevent birth defects

3 August 2026, 12:50 pm

An illustration showing how spina bifida can occur in newborn babies and the different types of the condition.

By Brian Oloya and Mwaka Emmanuel

Health experts have urged women planning to conceive to start taking folic acid supplements at least three months before pregnancy to help protect their babies from birth defects such as spina bifida and hydrocephalus.

Speaking to our reporter, Ajok Nancy, a parent and caregiver of children living with the condition, highlighted common signs of spina bifida, including an opening or swelling on a baby’s back, deformed legs, curved feet, and difficulty standing or walking.

She noted that children living with spina bifida and hydrocephalus often face major long-term challenges, including loss of sensation, limb weakness, and difficulty controlling bowel and bladder movements. These challenges make them particularly vulnerable to injuries and pressure sores.

Ajok Nancy, a parent and caregiver of children living with spina bifida and hydrocephalus, explains the common signs of the conditions.

Additional care options include physiotherapy to improve mobility, regular repositioning to prevent bedsores, and Clean Intermittent Catheterisation (CIC) for children who are unable to empty their bladders independently.

Dr Joseph Okello from Way to Life Medical Centre emphasised that private health facilities are partnering with the government to raise community awareness and provide quality antenatal care. He advised mothers to adopt healthy lifestyles, including avoiding alcohol, maintaining a healthy weight, and undergoing regular diabetes screening. He also encouraged women to eat foods rich in natural folate, including sukuma wiki, nakati, pumpkin leaves, beans, and cowpeas.

Dr Joseph Okello on healthy lifestyle choices that can help prevent birth defects.

Addressing concerns about how long pregnant women should continue taking folic acid, Dr Joseph Okello clarified that while the supplement is most critical during the first month of pregnancy in preventing neural tube defects, continuing to take it later supports healthy blood formation for both the mother and child.

Dr Joseph Okello on the importance of taking folic acid to support healthy blood formation for both the mother and child.
Dr Joseph Okello from Way to Life Medical Centre speaks about the importance of taking folic acid.

In Uganda, neural tube defects remain a significant yet largely preventable public health challenge, with an estimated 1,400 children born with spina bifida each year, representing approximately one case per 1,000 live births.