Ever imagined how dangerous Spina Bifida can be?
Spina Bifida occurs during development in the mother’s womb before birth. Spina Bifida is a birth defect that is also known as a neural tube defect. It occurs during the third and fourth weeks of pregnancy. Spina Bifida is a defect in which the spinal cord doesn’t form properly. Neural tube defects can cause physical inabilities. It’s crucial to take a nutritious diet rich in B Vitamins to prevent Spina Bifida.
Spina Bifida is a birth defect which means cleft spine. It leads to incomplete development of the brain, spinal cord, and meninges that cover both. It causes a liquid-filled sac in the back of the baby. The neural tube forms in early pregnancy and it closes by the 28th day after conception. Each year 3-4 lakh infants worldwide are born with Spina Bifida. In India, the prevalence of neural tube defects is 3.63 per 1000 live births. The highest cases come from Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan and Bihar.
This is the most common and mildest form of the neural tube defect. Many people don’t even know that they have it. In this condition, there is a small gap in the spine.
Spina Bifida aperta is a rare condition. It happens when a sac of spinal fluid comes out of the opening in the baby’s back.
This is a severe type of Spina Bifida. In this, the baby’s Spinal canal is open in one of several places. Sacs of fluid come out on the back. This sac contains some parts of the spine and nerves, and those parts get damaged.
Neural tube defect symptoms are physical, neurological and functional. They are as follows-
Scientists suspect genetic, nutritional, and environmental factors are responsible for causing Spina Bifida. Many studies show that an insufficient amount of folic acid in the mother’s diet is a key factor in causing Neural tube defects.
Researchers have identified some risk factors which can cause spinal cord problems in infants. They are as follows-
Folate is crucial for the development of a baby’s brain and spine. Its deficiency increases the risk of neural tube defects.
A mother who had one child with a neural tube defect has a higher chance of having another baby with the same defect. If an expectant mother was born with a neural tube defect then the risk is higher.
Obesity and diabetes before pregnancy increases the risk of Spina Bifida.
Anti-seizure medications seem to cause Spina Bifida if taken during pregnancy.
Spina Bifida ultrasound helps in detecting this disease in foetus. This Spina Bifida radiology technique includes maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (MSAFP) screening and ultrasound. MSAFP measures the level of a protein called alpha-fetoprotein (AFP). A high level of this protein in blood indicates neural tube defects. If a high level of AFP is detected, the doctor may recommend an ultrasound. After birth, doctors use X-ray and magnetic resonance imaging for neural tube defects screening.
Neural tube defects treatment includes prenatal, foetal surgery and infant surgery.
Women can reduce the risk of having a child with Spina Bifida by taking 400 micrograms of folic acid every day preconception.
Surgery of foetus in the uterus to correct the spine malformation is seldom done. Foetal surgery needs a lot of expertise and thus is not recommended in most cases.
A neurosurgeon places the neural tissues back in the spinal canal and then closes the muscle and the skin. This surgery is often completed within the first 48 hours after birth.
A point to remember - Any treatment of Spina Bifida needs a long follow up. Visit the doctor and get assessments done timely..- HERA
A nutritious diet during pregnancy rich in B vitamins can reduce the risk of Spina bifida. Foods rich in folic acid like leafy vegetables, eggs and fruits can help prevent neural tube defects.
Hera pro Tip - Women with Spina Bifida themselves should take a higher daily dose of folic acid before planning a pregnancy..- HERA
Spina bifida may cause some physical complications as follows-
Having enough folic acid in the early weeks of pregnancy is crucial to prevent Spina Bifida. Women should take 400 mcg of the daily supplements before planning a pregnancy. While, Folic acid supplement at HERA can be a real saviour, since the products are Doctors formulated and vegetarian, cruelty free, and is safe for daily use.
Taking HERA Folic acid supplement (prenatal essentials) can support organ development, boost immune system and prevent birth abnormalities.
Spina Bifida can be prevented with a nutritious diet during pregnancy. If your baby has Spina Bifida it’s important to stay in contact with doctors. Spina Bifida can be managed and people with it can live long and productive lives.