Obesity Link ro Anencephaly

A strong association has been demonstrated between a woman's pre-pregnancy BMI and risk for offspring with certain birth defects, particularly anencephaly and spina bifida. Gestational diabetes is found more frequently among obese women, and women with gestational diabetes have been shown to be at increased risk of having an infant with certain birth defects such as the neural tube defect, anencephaly. .
             Maternal characteristics and behaviors play an immense role on the outcome of the pregnancy. Behavior changes are effective preventative strategies that could help reduce the risks of anencephaly. According to the American Pregnancy Association, a healthy weight gain during pregnancy is "25-35 pounds if you were a healthy weight before pregnancy, with a BMI of 18.5-24.9, 28-40 pounds if you were underweight before pregnancy with a BMI of less than 18.5, 15-25 pounds if you were overweight before pregnancy with a BMI of 25-29.9, 11-20 pounds if you were obese before pregnancy with a BMI of over 30 " (2012). Not only is it vital and crucial to take prenatal vitamins and supplements, it also importance to stay within a healthy weight range during pregnancy. In the journal article, "Folic Acid Supplementation Among Diabetic,.
             Overweight, or Obese Women of Childbearing Age ", Case et al. (2007) states that, "All women of childbearing age, but especially those who are obese or diabetic, should be encouraged to take folic acid daily to reduce the risk of neural tube defects ". Anencephalic newborns are not viable or treatable, and so, it is classified as a lethal neural tube defect. Case et al. explains, "in addition to striving to maintain a healthy weight and glycemic control, diabetic, overweight, and obese women in their childbearing years should be especially encouraged to achieve the U.S. Public Health Service's recommendation of 400 mcg through supplementation, in addition to a healthy diet.