Spina bifida

We’re here to help your child, even before they’re born. If an ultrasound or other test detects spina bifida, we’ll work with you to determine the best treatment for spina bifida for you and your baby.

Spina bifida occurs when an area of the spinal column doesn’t form properly during early pregnancy. The effects vary between different children. Some babies will have a defect in their spine, but it will be covered by skin, in which case they may have no symptoms over the course of their life. Some babies will have a section of their spinal cord and spinal nerves exposed through an opening in the back. Other babies may have a condition somewhere in between. Read more about spina bifida from our Fetal Care Center.

Spina bifida is the most common central nervous system birth defect, occurring 3.4 times per 10,000 live births in the U.S. While there’s no known cause, not having enough folic acid before and during early pregnancy increases the chances of having a baby with spina bifida.

When is spina bifida diagnosed?

Your baby may be diagnosed with spina bifida between the 16^th and 18^th week of pregnancy during a routine ultrasound evaluation.

Testing for spina bifida

There are other tests that may be performed during and after pregnancy, including:

• Amniocentesis
• Fetal echocardiogram
• High-resolution level II ultrasound
• Fetal MRI
• Post-natal ultrasound

Spina bifida treatments

If your baby is diagnosed with spina bifida during your pregnancy, you may be advised to have a cesarean birth to avoid infection or trauma to any exposed parts of your baby’s spine. Surgery on your baby’s back will be done after they are born.

Read about Afiya's spina bifida treatments for a myelomeningocele, a type of spina bifida.