Spina bifida is a type of birth defect that affects the development of the tube that forms into the baby's brain and spinal cord. According to the Spina Bifida Association (SBA), there are approximately 70,000 people with spina bifida in the United States alone.
Types
Spina bifida varies in severity, reports the Mayo Clinic. In the least severe cases of spina bifida, small gaps form between the vertebrae of the spine which normally go unnoticed by physicians. More rare and severe forms of spina bifida result in the baby's spinal cord remaining open and exposing nerves and tissue.
Causes
According to the Mayo Clinic, medical professionals are not positive of the cause of spina bifida. It is suspected that a combination of genetic and environmental factors are to blame.
Risk Factors
The Mayo Clinic reports that mothers with certain conditions are more likely to give birth to a baby with spina bifida, including: folic acid deficiency, diabetes, obesity and increased body temperature.
Treatment
Depending on the severity of the case, spina bifida can be treated with prenatal or postnatal surgery. Babies with nerve damage usually require physical therapy to deal with complications such as muscle loss and paralysis.
Prevention
Women who are planning to become pregnant should consume 400 to 800 micrograms of folic acid daily for at least one month before conceiving and throughout the pregnancy, says the Mayo Clinic. Folic acid reduces the risk of spina bifida and other neural tube birth defects.
Tags: Mayo Clinic, spina bifida, folic acid, spina bifida, spinal cord
