Women are at greater risk for recurrence if they have:

• A child with spina bifida
• Spina bifida themselves
• Lost an affected pregnancy

These women need more folic acid by prescription to reduce         their risk for having a future pregnancy affected by spina bifida. The U.S. Public Health Service recommends that women at risk for recurrence plan their next pregnancy and take 4000 mcg (4.0mg) for at least 1 month before trying to become pregnant.