With the incidence of spina bifida, in the United States, significantly decreasing each year, the risk to unborn children still exists and remains at the forefront of obstetric care. As part of a comprehensive plan for pregnancy, obstetricians are now recommending pre-pregnancy tests and dietary supplements in an effort to further reduce the risk and incidence rates of spina bifida. For women who are pregnant or may become pregnant, the following is a description of the birth defect, spina bifida and the methods for detection and prevention during pregnancy.
Considered a defect at birth, spina bifida is a condition in which the spinal cord and brain may not develop completely in a fetus. At birth, spina bifida can vary in degree with many newborns presenting with an area on the spinal column where some damage to spine and nerves may be present. Following birth, a baby with spina bifida will undergo a variety of surgeries to repair the damaged spinal cord areas, in an effort to prevent further life deteriorating complications. However, depsite the efforts of pediatric specialists, the paralysis so commonly associated with spina bifida is not repairable. So, what is the complication that arises from spina bifida?
Of significant concern with spina bifida is the loss of cerebral-spinal fluid due to the irregular developed spinal column. When there is an irregular flow of cerebral spinal fluid, an accumulation of fluid may occur at the brain resulting in a condition known as hydrocephalus. To avert this spina bifida complication, infants exhibiting a cerebral-spinal fluid leak will undergo a surgical shunt placement which will allow for the drainage of excess spinal fluid. When not surgically corrected in a newborn, bodily functions such as bowel movements and bladder control can also be impaired.
In addition to surgery, a baby suffering from spina bifida will undergo a variety of lifelong treatments. A team of healthcare professionals will be established to address the care of the infant. During pregnancy, the obstetrician will generally run a variety of tests, including a test known as alpha fetoprotein to determine if the fetus is at risk for spina bifida. In this test, the level of fetal protein is measured through the mother’s blood stream and, while some fetal protein may be present, a significant level may indicate the fetus suffers from a spinal defect.
Additionally, in an effort to further reduce the risk of spina bifida as part of a pre-pregnancy program, many healthcare professionals are recommending that a woman, considering pregnancy, increase the intake of folic acid through daily supplemenets. Folic acid can be obtained through additional consumption of green leafy vegetables such as spinach or through a dietary supplemental tablet. In as little as 0.4 milligrams per day, a woman can significantly reduce the risk of birth defects, such as spina bifida, in unborn children.
For more information regarding prenatal care, and the methods in which to prevent birth defects such as spina bifida, visit www.kidshealth.org.
