The cause of spina bifida is unknown, but a number of factors can increase the risk of a baby developing the condition.

These include:

• low folic acid intake during pregnancy
• having a family history of spina bifida
• medicines – taking certain medicines such as valproic acid (used to prevent seizures) during pregnancy has been linked to an increased risk of having a baby with spina bifida

Read more about the causes of spina bifida.