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

3 August 2026, 12:50 pm

An illustration on how spina Bifida can occur in the newborn babies and the different types.

By Brian Oloya and Mwaka Emmanuel.

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

Speaking to our reporter, a parent and caregiver for children suffering from the condition Ajok Nancy, Highlighted common signs of spina bifida, including an opening or swelling on the baby’s back, deformed legs, curved feet, and difficulty standing or walking. She noted that children living with spina bifida and hydrocephalus face major long-term challenges, such as loss of sensation, limb weakness, and inability to control bowel and bladder movements making them particularly vulnerable to injuries and pressure sores.

Ajok Nancy a parent and a caregiver for the conditions on the common signs of the defects.

Additional care options include physiotherapy to improve mobility, regular body turning to prevent bedsores, and Clean Intermittent Catheterization (CIC) for children unable to empty their bladders independently.

Dr. Joseph Okello from Way to Life Medical Centre emphasized 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—such as avoiding alcohol, maintaining a healthy weight, and undergoing regular diabetes screening. He also encouraged women to eat foods rich in natural foliate, including sukuma wiki, nakati, pumpkin leaves, beans, and cowpeas.

Dr. Okello Joseph on the appropriate lifestyles to prevent the defects.

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

Dr. Okello on the importance of taking Folic acid to supplement blood for mother and the child.
Dr. Okello Joseph from the way to life medical center speaking on the importance of taking folic acid.

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