A woman has a child with spina bifida aperta.She is planning to have another child and is concerned that the second child will also have spina bifida aperta.What should her physician advise her to take daily to reduce the chances that the second child will have spina bifida aperta?

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The physician should advise the woman to take folic acid daily to reduce the chances that the second child will have spina bifida aperta. Studies have shown that taking folic acid before and during pregnancy can decrease the incidence of spina bifida and other neural tube defects in the developing fetus. Aspirin, warfarin, and Accutane are not recommended during pregnancy as they can cause harm to the developing fetus. Calcium supplements are important for maternal health but do not reduce the risk of spina bifida.

A Woman Has a Child with Spina Bifida Aperta