Home / Glossary Spina bifida By Motherly Editors April 2, 2024 Rectangle Inside this article DefinitionKey TakeawaysImportanceExplanationExamples of Spina bifidaFAQs on Spina Bifida and Motherhood1. What is Spina Bifida?2. How is Spina Bifida diagnosed during pregnancy?3. Can Spina Bifida be prevented?4. What is the treatment for Spina Bifida?5. What is the prognosis for a baby born with Spina Bifida?Related Motherhood TermsSources for More Information Table of Contents Toggle DefinitionKey TakeawaysImportanceExplanationExamples of Spina bifidaFAQs on Spina Bifida and Motherhood1. What is Spina Bifida?2. How is Spina Bifida diagnosed during pregnancy?3. Can Spina Bifida be prevented?4. What is the treatment for Spina Bifida?5. What is the prognosis for a baby born with Spina Bifida?Related Motherhood TermsSources for More Information Definition Spina bifida is a birth defect that occurs when the spine and spinal cord do not form properly during early pregnancy. It can lead to physical and intellectual disabilities that range from mild to severe, depending on the size and location of the opening in the spine. The exact cause of spina bifida is unknown but factors like folic acid deficiency and genetics could possibly play a role. Key Takeaways Spina Bifida is a birth defect that occurs when the spine and spinal cord do not form properly. It’s a type of neural tube defect where a baby’s spine does not fully close during the first month of pregnancy. Cause of Spina Bifida is multifactorial, it can include genetic factors, nutritional factors (specifically lack of adequate folic acid in the mother’s diet in early pregnancy) and environmental triggers. There are different types of Spina Bifida, namely, Spina Bifida Occulta, Myelomeningocele and Meningocele, each with a different degree of severity and requisite treatment and management strategies. Importance Spina bifida is a vital term in motherhood because it refers to a serious birth defect that occurs when the spine and spinal cord don’t form properly, often resulting in damage to the nerves and spinal cord. The condition develops during the first month of pregnancy when the neural tube doesn’t close completely, potentially leading to physical disabilities that may range from mild to severe. Understanding Spina bifida is important for expectant mothers, as certain factors, such as inadequate intake of folic acid before and during early pregnancy, can increase the risk of this defect. Therefore, knowledge about Spina bifida plays a crucial role in encouraging mothers-to-be to prepare and care for their bodies optimally before and during pregnancy for the well-being of their babies. Explanation Spina bifida is a term derived from Latin that means “split spine,” and it is a neural tube defect that occurs during the development of an embryo. This congenital disorder typically arises in the first month of pregnancy, even before a woman might be aware that she is pregnant. It occurs when the neural tube, which ultimately forms the brain and spinal cord, doesn’t fully close as it should, leaving a part of the spinal cord exposed. The purpose of recognising and understanding spina bifida is to enhance early detection, treatment, and management of this condition, hence improving the quality of life of an affected individual. The extent of disability caused by spina bifida varies widely, depending on the size, type, and location of the defect. Some individuals with spina bifida have little to no disability, while others might have significant physical disabilities such as difficulty walking or coordinating movements. Early detection can lead to interventions like surgery shortly after birth to minimize the health issues and disabilities associated with this condition. Furthermore, understanding spina bifida can assist in increasing preventive measures, such as ensuring adequate intake of folic acid before and during early pregnancy. Examples of Spina bifida Spina Bifida is a birth defect that affects the development of the spine and spinal cord. Here are three real-world examples related to this condition: Example 1: A child born with Spina Bifida in CaliforniaIn this case, a mother in San Francisco gave birth to a baby with Spina Bifida. The child struggled with mobility problems due to an incomplete development of the spinal cord, requiring multiple surgeries to minimize nerve damage and improve life quality. With regular physiotherapy and assistive devices like wheelchairs, the child was able to navigate through life’s challenges. Example 2: Prenatal surgery to treat Spina BifidaIn another example, a mother from Pennsylvania discovered through prenatal screening that her baby would be born with Spina Bifida. Here, doctors decided to perform a prenatal surgery, a decision which represents an advancement of medical science in treating Spina Bifida. This procedure helped to minimize the defects, leading to fewer health complications post-birth. Example 3: Spina Bifida case in an adultA woman from London was born with Spina Bifida, though her condition didn’t hold her back from living a full life. She grew up facing physical challenges and underwent various surgeries, but managed to graduate, build a career and start a family. This example is important for people to understand that being born with Spina Bifida does not necessarily restrict someone’s potential for success and personal fulfillment. FAQs on Spina Bifida and Motherhood 1. What is Spina Bifida? Spina Bifida is a neural tube defect that occurs when a baby’s spine and spinal cord do not form properly. It’s a birth defect that happens when a baby’s backbone doesn’t fully close during early pregnancy and can cause physical and intellectual disabilities. 2. How is Spina Bifida diagnosed during pregnancy? Spina Bifida is often diagnosed during pregnancy with ultrasound tests. In some cases, it is confirmed with tests like amniocentesis or other imaging techniques. 3. Can Spina Bifida be prevented? While the exact cause of Spina Bifida is unknown, taking 400 micrograms of folic acid at least 1 month before and during the first 3 months of pregnancy can help lower the risk of Spina Bifida in the developing baby. 4. What is the treatment for Spina Bifida? Treatment for Spina Bifida depends on the severity of the condition. It often involves surgery, physiotherapy, medication and additional support as the child grows. 5. What is the prognosis for a baby born with Spina Bifida? While every case is unique, many individuals with Spina Bifida lead fulfilling lives with the right treatment and continuous support. However, some may experience lifelong disabilities. Related Motherhood Terms Neural Tube Defects Meningocele Myelomeningocele Folic Acid Deficiency Hydrocephalus Sources for More Information Spina Bifida Association March of Dimes Mayo Clinic Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Inside this article DefinitionKey TakeawaysImportanceExplanationExamples of Spina bifidaFAQs on Spina Bifida and Motherhood1. What is Spina Bifida?2. How is Spina Bifida diagnosed during pregnancy?3. Can Spina Bifida be prevented?4. What is the treatment for Spina Bifida?5. What is the prognosis for a baby born with Spina Bifida?Related Motherhood TermsSources for More Information More terms Pap smear April 3, 2024 Postpartum Psychosis February 26, 2024 Infant Reflexes February 26, 2024 Parental Pride February 26, 2024 Induction April 2, 2024