Spina bifida is a defect of the neural tube which strikes about 3,000 pregnancies annually. Even though the occurrences of the defect seem to be on the decline, it still strikes about 70% of all of the 10,000 births in the U.S. Spina Bifida Association of America says that the condition is currently present in about 70,000 U.S. citizens.

So what exactly is spina bifida, and what are its effects. In essence, it’s a defect in the neural tube which develops within the first month of an expectant’ mother’s pregnancy. Due to this defect, the woman’s spinal column doesn’t entirely close, in the way that it’s supposed to close. The effects will vary among women and their children. As many as 9 of 10 kids with the worst type of spina bifida are found to have fluid on the brain (or “hydrocephalus”). They must, therefore, have surgery in order to drain the fluid through use of a shunt. This shunt will stay there in place throughout the person’s life. Some other effects of spina bifida might include paralysis, bladder troubles, bowel control problems, depression, learning disabilities, sexual issues, or latex energy.

Let’s discuss the risk factors for spina bifida. In fact, any woman who is pregnant is a possible risk for developing the birth defect. It’s been said that 95 percent of neural tube defects strike women who have no family or personal history of such defects. Some common risk factors, however, include: 1) a mother with insulin-dependent diabetes; 2) a previous pregnancy affected by an NTD; 3) obesity; 4) use of some anti-seizure medicines (such as Carbamazapine / Tegretol or Valproic acid / Depakene); 5) high body temperature during early pregnancy (such as from a prolonged fever); 6) Caucasian; 7) lower spot on the socio-economic ladder.

There are a couple of ways that spina bifida is diagnosed. Like several other birth defects, it can be screened using either the triple test or AFP test. If it’s determined that there is a high level of alpha fetoprotein, this indicates the possibility of a neural tube defects and is usually an indicator that mroe testing needs to be done. However, it should be noted that out of every 1,000 pregnancies, there are 50 to 100 AFP results which are abnormally high but only one or two of those babies will be born with a neural tube defect. If it’s determined that further screening is necessary, a procedure known as amniocentesis will likely be conducted.

This brings us to the question of preventing spina bifida. The best preventative measure is to take 400 micrograms of folic acid on daily basis. Reliable studies show that this could reduce your chance of developing spina bifida by as much as 70 percent.

There’s a wealth of information available online and at the library for anyone who wants to research more about spina bifida. And of course, one of the best resources is the Spina Bifida Association of America. Their website is www.sbaa.org. Or you can call them at (800) 621-3141. They’ll be happy to send you free information on the subject.