Spina Bifida

Spina Bifida is a neural tube defect that happens in the first month of pregnancy when the spinal column doesn’t close completely.

Sixty million women are at risk of having a baby born with spina bifida, and every day, on average, eight babies are affected by this or a similar birth defect of the brain and spine. Each year, about 3,000 pregnancies are affected by these birth defects. The effects of spina bifida are different for every person.

Up to 90 percent of children with the worst form have hydrocephalus (fluid on the brain) and must have surgery to insert a shunt that helps drain the fluid—the shunt stays in place for the lifetime of the person.  Other conditions include full or partial paralysis, bladder and bowel control difficulties, learning disabilities, depression, latex allergy and social and sexual issues.

Read more about Spina Bifida from the Spina Bifida Association.