Mothers urged to take folic acid after congenital disorder rise

Expectant mothers are being urged to take folic acid after a worrying rise in congenital disorders linked to a deficiency of the diet supplement.

A study found there has been a rise in neural tube defects — mainly spina bifida and anencephaly, a condition where the foetus is missing parts of the brain and skull — in Ireland since the recession hit in 2009.

Leading obstetrician Michael Turner from the Centre for Human Reproduction at UCD has urged women to take the diet supplement strongly linked to preventing the congenital conditions before conception and during early pregnancy.