
What is spina bifida?
Spina bifida is a birth defect of the spine. The unborn baby’s spine doesn’t form normally. Sometimes the spinal cord and nerves coming from it are affected. This may cause no problems, or it may cause long-term problems with walking, urinating, and passing stool.
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Spina bifida affects the middle and lower back
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A few children also have brain defects
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Defects range from small to large
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Small defects usually cause no symptoms
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Large defects may cause leg weakness and problems walking, curvature of the spine, or bladder problems
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Damage to the brain or spinal cord is much more likely when the tissue visibly bulges from the back of the baby
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If parts of the spinal cord are exposed, the baby may develop an infection (meningitis)
Spina Bifida: A Defect of the Spine
What causes spina bifida?
What are the symptoms of spina bifida?
How can doctors tell if a baby has spina bifida?
Doctors do a screening during the 2nd trimester of pregnancy. This may include:
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Blood test
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Testing the fluid around the baby (amniocentesis)
How do doctors treat spina bifida?
Can spina bifida be prevented?
Doctors recommend that all women who might become pregnant or who are pregnant take the vitamin folic acid (folate). Studies show that folic acid helps prevent spina bifida and similar defects in the unborn baby.
Talk with your doctor about how much folic acid you should take.