Essay On Spina Bifida
Spina Bifida
Definition:
Spina bifida, means “cleft spine”. It is characterized by the partial development of the brain, spinal cord, and/or meninges (the protective covering around the brain and spinal cord). Spina bifida comes from Latin and literally means "split" or "open" spine. Spina bifida occurs at the end of the first month of pregnancy when the two sides of the embryo's spine fail to join together, leaving an open area. In some cases, the spinal cord or other membranes may push through this opening in the back. The condition usually is detected before a baby is born and treated right away.
Incidence:
Considered one of the most common neural tube defect in the United States, spina bifida affects 1,500 to 2,000 of the more than 4 million babies born in the country each year. There are approximately 40% of all Americans that may have spina bifida occulta, but may experience no symptoms and therefore are unaware. The other two types of spina bifida, meningocele and …show more content…
Researchers hypothesize that genes may be a factor, but in most cases there is no familial connection. A high fever during pregnancy may increase a woman's chances of having a baby with spina bifida. The drug valproic acid, when used by pregnant mothers to control seizures may cause an increased risk of having a baby with spina bifida.
The exact cause of spina bifida remains unknown. No one knows what disrupts complete closure of the neural tube, causing a malformation to develop. Many leading scientists suspect genetic, nutritional, and environmental factors play a role. Research studies indicate that insufficient intake of folic acid, a common B vitamin in the mother’s diet is a key factor in causing spina bifida and other neural tube defects. It is of utmost importance that prenatal care includes prenatal vitamins that are prescribed for the pregnant mother and should typically contain folic acid as well as other
Definition:
Spina bifida, means “cleft spine”. It is characterized by the partial development of the brain, spinal cord, and/or meninges (the protective covering around the brain and spinal cord). Spina bifida comes from Latin and literally means "split" or "open" spine. Spina bifida occurs at the end of the first month of pregnancy when the two sides of the embryo's spine fail to join together, leaving an open area. In some cases, the spinal cord or other membranes may push through this opening in the back. The condition usually is detected before a baby is born and treated right away.
Incidence:
Considered one of the most common neural tube defect in the United States, spina bifida affects 1,500 to 2,000 of the more than 4 million babies born in the country each year. There are approximately 40% of all Americans that may have spina bifida occulta, but may experience no symptoms and therefore are unaware. The other two types of spina bifida, meningocele and …show more content…
Researchers hypothesize that genes may be a factor, but in most cases there is no familial connection. A high fever during pregnancy may increase a woman's chances of having a baby with spina bifida. The drug valproic acid, when used by pregnant mothers to control seizures may cause an increased risk of having a baby with spina bifida.
The exact cause of spina bifida remains unknown. No one knows what disrupts complete closure of the neural tube, causing a malformation to develop. Many leading scientists suspect genetic, nutritional, and environmental factors play a role. Research studies indicate that insufficient intake of folic acid, a common B vitamin in the mother’s diet is a key factor in causing spina bifida and other neural tube defects. It is of utmost importance that prenatal care includes prenatal vitamins that are prescribed for the pregnant mother and should typically contain folic acid as well as other