Spina Bifida

Spina Bifida, a condition that is classified as a neural tube defect that affects about 1,500 babies are born with each year where the spinal column is not completely closed over the spinal cord. There are two types of Spina Bifida, one being very mild and one being very severe. Although this can be a tough disorder with possible physical and mental disabilities, with the correct treatment and follow through many people with some assistance cam live their lives fully.
Spina Bifida can vary in severity majorly. The mildest form of Spina Bifida is Spina Bifida Occulta, which means that the defect does not protrude through the skin. Most babies that are born with Spina Bifida Occulta do not have any long-term health problems. The severe form of …show more content…
The most known cause to have correlation with Spina Bifida is low levels of the vitamin folic acid within the mother during her time of pregnancy. Some evidence has been found to be linked with genetics, such as a family history of neural tube defects, but there are situations where there has been no present gene to cause the defect. Also, women with in increased or high fever during pregnancy have an increased chance of having a baby with this condition. In addition, there is evidence that women who have taken the medication valproic acid which is taken to control epileptic episodes may play a role in having an increased risk of having a baby with Spina …show more content…
The only prevention that has been found is for a mother to take folic acid supplements, which helps aid largely in cell growth and tissue developments, throughout the first trimester. It is important to note that if a mother is planning to bear a child that she should start to take folic acid before becoming pregnant to decrease chances of having a baby with Spina