Spina bifida is a serious birth defect. It affects the spine.
Normally during pregnancy, a structure called the neural tube,
which eventually forms the brain and spinal cord, closes
completely. In cases of spina bifida, the bones of the spine
fail to close, leaving part of the spine exposed. Cases of spina
bifida range from mild to severe and, most often, surgery is
used to correct the problem. In some cases, however, surgery
can't completely resolve the problem. What causes spina bifida?
Doctors aren't really sure what causes spina bifida, but it
might be caused by a combination of genetics and environmental
causes. Many researchers also believe that a lack of folic acid
in the pregnant mum's diet may be responsible for most neural
tube defects. Is spina bifida serious? Spina bifida is very
serious. It can lead to severe physical and mental disabilities.
Can I prevent spina bifida? Doctors believe that getting an
adequate amount of folic acid before and during pregnancy is
important to prevent spina bifida a