Spinal bifida.

Spina bifida is a birth defect involving the development of a baby’s spine and spinal cord during the first month of pregnancy. It can cause several problems depending on its severity.

What are the symptoms of spina bifida?

membranes sticking out, a bulging fluid-filled sac or exposed tissues and nerves – are visible at birth, if they are not detected earlier.

Spina bifida can cause problems such as:

• muscle weakness in the feet, hips or legs
• loss of feeling in parts of the skin
• bladder or bowel incomitance.
• Hydrocephalus (fluid on the brain)
• learning difficulties
• spine problems such as scoliosis.
• sexual problems
• Chiari malformation (where part of the brain pushes down into the spinal canal).

What are the risk factors for spina bifida?

There is no single identifiable cause for spina bifida. The evidence suggests that genetic and environmental factors, such as diet, can contribute to the development of spina bifida.

You are more likely than others to have a child with spina bifida if you:

• have a low folate diet
• have previously had a baby with spina bifida
• have been taking certain anti-seizure medications
• have obesity.

You are also more likely than others to have a child with the condition if the baby’s father has a family history of spina bifida.

How is spina bifida diagnosed?

Spina bifida may be diagnosed during the ultrasound scan and blood test that is carried out at week 12 of pregnancy or during the morphology scan that is performed at week 19 to 20.

How is spina bifida treated?

There is no cure for spina bifida. Treatment will depend on how severe the spina bifida is, and whether surgery is an option to minimize the risk of infection and future disability.

How is spina bifida managed?

Someone with spina bifida may be able to manage the condition in part by:

• using mobility aids such as limb splints or braces, crutches or a wheelchair to help walking or moving
• using a catheter to help empty the bladder and prevent infection
• managing learning difficulties in problem solving and handling new tasks

Some or all of these health professionals may also be able to provide support:

• continence nurse.
• Neurologist.
• Occupational health .
• orthopedic surgeon.
• Pediatrician.
• Physiotherapy.
• Urologist.

Can spina bifida be prevented?

Having enough folate in your diet and taking a folic acid supplement for at least 1 month before conception, and for the first 3 months of pregnancy, is the best way to prevent spina bifida.

Foods high in folate include:

• green leafy vegetables (broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage green beans).
• legumes (leafy vegetables (broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage green beans).
• fruit (oranges, avocados and bananas).
• wholegrain cereals.

If you take anti-seizure medication or other regular medication, discuss with your doctor before taking folic acid supplements in preparation for pregnancy.