On November 21, International Spina Bifida Day is celebrated. What do we mean when we talk about spina bifida(or “column divided in two”)? It is one of the most common congenital conditions of the nervous system that is also relatively easy to prevent.
As we always say, information is and will be your main weapon. That is why throughout the following lines we try to let you know everything related to this malformation. Our main objective is to do our bit and join in raising awareness of the largest possible number of people about this cause.
What is spina bifida?
When we talk about spina bifida we are referring to neither more nor less than a congenital neural tube defect. Or what is the same, a condition that It directly affects the spine and spinal cord when they are not formed correctly. It is usually evident from the moment of birth or in some cases after birth. But let’s go little by little so that you don’t have even an iota of doubt.
What is the “neural tube”? The structure of the embryo still developing until it becomes the baby’s brain. It is formed during the first days/weeks of gestation and does not close until 28 days.
And… What does it cover?the spine, also known as spine? Explained in a general way and without going into details, we could say that it is made up of 33 bones (vertebrae) extended from the skull to the pelvis. Among its functions stands out that of protect the spinal cord and nerves. Hence the vital importance of it being completely formed and closed.
Returning to what concerns us, this type of “defect”can occur anywhere in the spine when the neural tube does not close completely.
It usually appears during development of the fetus in the first trimester of pregnancy. What alterations can it cause? Whoever suffers from it can suffer both intellectual and physical disabilities. The severity of them It will depend both on the location(the higher the injury, the more sequelae it will cause) and size/extent of the opening and the way the nerves and spinal cord are damaged. Among the complications we can find:
- Difficulties in mobility (muscle weakness and paralysis in some cases);
- orthopedic problems;
- Changes in the intestine and bladder;
- Hydrocephalus (increased cerebrospinal fluid in the brain) and brain abnormalities;
- Alterations in learning and social problems;
- Latex allergy.
Types of spina bifida
Among the types of spina bifida we can highlight 3 most common types. We explain how to identify each one along with the most notable differences between them, going from the least serious type to the most complicated case.
Closed or hidden spina bifida
This is the type of spina bifida which occurs more mildly since even on repeated occasions it goes unnoticed until late childhood or even into adulthood. In these cases you can sometimes glimpse a small gap in the spine or a small gap between the vertebrae(that’s why it’s said to be “hidden”). There is no neurological involvement, so in general it does not usually cause damage to those who suffer from it.
open spina bifida
There are two different types of “open” spina bifida.
Meningocele
Although it refers to greater complications than the one previously mentioned, in the case of meningocele, despite how visually disturbing it can be (it is typical to see a lump in the lower back), major complications are not reversed.
Myelomeningocele
Without a doubt myelomeningocele It is the most serious type. As in the previous case, a lump can be observed in the lower back with the big difference that in this case part of the spinal cord and nerves are damaged and exposed within this sac. When the spinal canal is open, it exposes the baby to very serious infections.
How is spina bifida diagnosed?
That’s the crux of the matter. Occult spina bifida, as we have already talked about above, is sometimes not even diagnosed or given a name over the years since it can go unnoticed without causing any type of damage. And thank goodness.
However, the other types are usually detected throughout the development of the fetus during pregnancy through different detection tests. Therefore, the most important thing is that stay calm and carry out a routine check by specialized professionals throughout the pregnancy.
Through alpha-fetoprotein
Alpha what? This may be the first time you read this “word”. Let’s decipher it. The alpha-feto-protein (AFP) It is, forgive me the redundancy, a protein that the fetus produces during its development. Through one of the many blood tests that you are surely being given during routine pregnancy check-ups, the levels of this protein that pass from your baby to you are measured. If high levels are detected, it could be an indication that your baby suffers from this type of condition.
Ultrasound
Surely in other articles you have read more about pregnancy ultrasounds, so we won’t be able to tell you much more because by now you will be an expert on the subject. You already know that ultrasounds are imaging tests and of course they help diagnose if your baby suffers from spina bififi.
Amniocentesis
Amniotic fluid does not lie. If you have the slightest doubt and to keep you as calm as possible, your gynecologist will consider the option of taking a small sample of your amniotic fluid to see the AFP levels and determine whether or not the values are above average.
What is the best way to prevent spina bifida?
Unfortunately not all cases are known with certainty surrounding spina bifida. However, there is talk of a series of risk factors as a combination of genetics (pregnancy at an advanced age, obesity, poorly controlled diabetes, medications,…), poor or poor diet and factors related to the environment (for example exposure to X-rays or chemical substances,…).
Some recommendations that we can give you at SingularMom so that the chances of your baby suffering from spina bifida are reduced are the following:
Your best ally: folic acid
You have most likely heard of it, especially if you are one of those who had planned to get pregnant. Here you can read more about fertility and reproduction techniques such as in vitro fertilization.
The most recommended thing is that increase the consumption of folic acid even before seeing the two lines on the pregnancy test. Is it something infallible? No, but yes This is a great help to reduce the chances of this defect occurring. since folate (vitamin B-9) is of vital importance for the correct development of the fetus.
During pregnancy the nutritional requirement for this vitamin increases from 400 mcg/day to 600 mcg/day. How do we increase it? Through supplements and foods such as green leafy vegetables, citrus fruits and nuts, legumes, whole grains… Foods such as organ meats, despite containing folic acid, are not recommended due to their high content of toxins and purine bases. We recommend that you read our article on nutrition in pregnancy so you can expand all this information.
Comprehensive control
Especially if you suffer from diabetes, obesity or a high-risk pregnancy. Do you want to know more about gestational diabetes?Exhaustive control will allow early diagnosis of this complication which can lead to early treatment such as performing surgery to try to resolve the problem.
And the treatment?
And at this point,… What are the treatments if the baby suffers from spina bifida? It will be different depending on each case specifically and the severity and difficulties that each one of them faces. As we have already said This condition can range from mild to severe. causing practically imperceptible damage in some people while in others it can generate significant limitations.
As we mentioned in previous lines, the fetal surgery It would be the main treatment that could be performed before the 26th week of pregnancy as long as health professionals consider it timely and appropriate taking into account a series of requirements.
In the case of babies born with meningocele, surgery could also be performed on the postpartum whose objective would be to place the meninges in the correct place so that the nerves are not exposed.
From SingularMom We recommend that you prepare, care for and strengthen your body to avoid any type of complication whenever possible. It is normal for doubts to plague you throughout these nine months. Nothing that cannot be solved with a good dose of information from specialized professionals.
For us it is important that you live and enjoy your pregnancy to the fullest. That’s why we want to help you through our online childbirth preparation classes. Will you let us accompany you?
