Once you get to know about spina bifida when you are pregnant, you might wonder what spina bifida is or what causes spina bifida. Congenital spinal bifida poses a problem to most parents with regard to the effect of the situation on the life of a baby. Spina bifida is a birth defect in which the spine fails to close properly and it may be mild or severe. At The Web Health, we share simple health tips in easy words for better living. In this post, we answer spina bifida symptoms and cover types like myelomeningocele, causes (spina bifida), and treatment for spina bifida. You will find out what it is, why it occurs, signs to be aware, how it is discovered by the doctors and what to do to help. Spina bifida occurs in approximately 1 out of 2,000 infants, and early infant care is important. With good help, many kids live happy lives. Read on to learn about congenital spinal bifida and more. For extra info, check our post on Birth Defects Guide.
Spina bifida is a neural tube defect that develops during the early stages of pregnancy, say the first month during which the spine of the baby forms. It may result in difficulty in walking, bathroom control or learning but not necessarily. Children can fare well with the current medicine such as surgery and therapy. Parents can take steps to lower risk, like eating right before pregnancy.
What is Spina Bifida?
Spina bifida is a malformation of the spine.Let us explain it simply.
Definition and Overview
It is a problem where the baby’s spine and spinal cord do not form during early pregnancy. The neural tube, which becomes the spine, does not close all the way. This leaves a gap in the back bones. Espina bifida is another way some people spell it, but it means the same. Congenital spinal bifida occurs during birth and may be either mild or severe.
It impacts the spinal cord, which transmits messages between brain and body. If open, it can hurt nerves and cause issues. But many live full lives with help.
The spinal cord is like a highway for signals. When not protected, it can get damaged. This is a fault that begins in the initial 4 weeks of pregnancy and during most cases the mother is not even aware of the fact that she is pregnant. And this is why folic acid is also helpful even before attempting to have a baby.
How Common Is It and Who Gets Affected
Spina bifida happens in about 1 in 2,000 births in the US. It is more common in girls than boys. Anyone can have a baby with it, but risk is higher if the family has neural tube defects or mom has diabetes. Low folic acid in mom’s diet raises chances too.
Facts
- Happens in the first 28 days of pregnancy.
- More in Hispanic and white babies.
- Can run in families.
- Not from what mom did wrong.
- Folic acid can prevent many cases.
- Affects 166,000 people in the US.
- With care, most reach full life.
Many do not know until ultrasound or birth. It affects all races, but some groups have higher rates due to genes or diet.
Types of Spina Bifida
Spina bifida has different types, from light to heavy.
Mild Types – Occulta and Meningocele
- Mild types include occulta and meningocele. Spina bifida occulta is the lightest, called hidden because no open back. Gap in bones, but skin covers. Often no signs, found on x-ray for other reasons. May have hair tufts or dimples on the back. Most people with occulta live normally without knowing.
- Meningocele is a sac with spinal fluid poking through the gap, but no nerves in sac. Can cause light problems like weak legs or bathroom issues. Surgery fixes sac, and kids often do well after.
- Both mild types mean less issues than severe ones. Many have no big problems and live like others.
Severe Type – Myelomeningocele
- Myelomeningocele is the type, also called open spina bifida. Spinal cord and nerves stick out of the sac on the back. Nerve damage causes leg weakness or non feel, bathroom problems, and fluid in the brain (hydrocephalus).
- The most common bad type, needs surgery soon after birth to close back and stop infection. Can cause learning issues or seizures if the brain is affected. With care, kids can walk with braces or use a wheelchair. They might need help with daily things, but many go to school and play.
What Causes Spina Bifida?
We do not know everything, but some things raise the chances.
Main Causes and Risk Factors
- Mix of genes and things around mom. Low folic acid in early pregnancy is a big one. Genes if the family has it. Mom diabetes, seizure meds like valproate, or obesity raise risk.
- Spina bifida causes also includes hot temps early, like saunas, or no folic acid food. Some viruses or no vitamins play a role. It is not mom’s fault – often random.
- Risk factors: Family history of defects, mom over 35, low B12, or anti-seizure meds. A poor diet without greens or fortified foods increases the chance.
Prevention Tips
Take folic acid 400 mcg day before and in pregnancy to cut risk 70%.
Tips:
- Eat green veggies, eggs, and bananas for folic acid.
- Take prenatal vitamins.
- Control diabetes before a baby.
- Avoid seizure meds if possible, talk to a doctor.
- No alcohol or smoke.
- Healthy weight before pregnancy.
- Genetic testing of family history.
- See a doctor early in pregnancy for checks.
These steps lower the chance a lot. Folic acid is key – start months before trying for a baby.
Spina Bifida Symptoms and Diagnosis
Signs depend on type.
Common Signs in Babies and Kids
- Spina bifida symptoms vary. For occulta, often none, maybe back dimple or hair. Meningocele: Sac on back, light leg weak.
- For myelomeningocele: Open sac, no feel below gap, leg weak or no move, bowel and bladder hard control, fluid in brain causes big head, learning issues.
- Kids may have curved spine, walk hard, infections, or pain. Some have skin issues or allergies. As I grow, I might need help with school or socializing.
How Doctors Find It
Doctors find in pregnancy or birth.
Steps:
- Blood test for AFP at 16-18 weeks – high means possible defect.
- Ultrasound at 18-22 weeks shows spine gap.
- Amnio test fluid for more sure.
- At birth, see back for sac or mark.
- MRI or x-ray after birth for detail.
- Head ultrasound for fluid.
Early diagnosis helps plan surgery and care. Genetic tests can check for other issues.
Treatment Options for Spina Bifida
No cure, but treatment helps.
Surgery and Medical Care
- Surgery closes the gap soon after birth to stop infection. For myelomeningocele, prenatal surgery in the womb can help more, but risks. Shunt tube for fluid on the brain to drain.
- Therapy: Physical for walk, occupational for daily tasks like dress.
- Meds for pain, infection, or bladder control. Some need antibiotics for life long UTI.
- Fetal surgery is new, done before birth to close the gap and damage.
Daily Support and Long-Term Care
- Braces or wheelchair to move. Catheter for bladder to pee. Special school if learning hard.
- Team of doctors: Neurologist for brain, urologist for bladder, therapist for move.
- Long term: Watch for tethered cord, where the spine sticks and pulls as it grows. Surgery if needed. Check for scoliosis or hip problems.
- Support groups help families share tips and feel less alone. Kids can play sports with adapted gear.
Final Thoughts
Spina bifida is tough, but with early care and love, kids can do great things. Prevent folic acid and healthy choices. At The Web Health, we hope this guide helps. Share your story below!
FAQs
What is spina bifida?
It is a birth defect where the spine does not close properly in early pregnancy. This can affect the spinal cord and cause problems like weak legs or bathroom issues. It happens in about 1 in 2,000 births.
What is Congenital spinal bifida?
The term congenital spinal bifida is equivalent to that of spina bifida, which is a spinal issue during birth. It is from the neural tube not closing.
What are Spina bifida symptoms?
Spina bifida symptoms depend on type. Mild signs, severe leg weakness, back sac, fluid on brain, bathroom problems. Kids may have learning difficulties or infections.
What is Myelomeningocele?
Myelomeningocele is a severe spina bifida where the spinal cord sticks out in sac. Causes nerve damage, leg issues, and needs surgery.
What causes spina bifida?
Mix of genes and things like low folic acid, mom diabetes, or some meds. Family history raises risk.
What are the causes of Spina bifida?
Spina bifida causes include not enough folic acid in early pregnancy, genes, or mom health like obesity. Prevent vitamins.
