Spina Bifida

There are many things that woman go through when they become pregnant; things such as cravings, moodiness, and hormonal changes. These are the “most expected” and “most talked about” but what about the fears of problems that could affect the mothers or, even worse, the unborn child/’s health? Being educated before a problem occurs can sometimes be less stressful or could possibly help to prevent or lessen the problem. According to Foster (2008), “Both genetic factors and environmental factors, such as nutrition and exposure to harmful substances, probably contribute to spina bifida and also that research has suggested that many cases of spina bifida can be prevented by adequate intake of folic acid before and during early pregnancy”. So, what is Spina bifida and what is done for it? And what exactly can cause it? According to Alexander (2008), “Spina bifida is a birth defect that involves the incomplete development of the spinal cord or its coverings. The term spina bifida comes from Latin and literally means "split in two" or "open" spine”. The location of the opening on the spine often dictates what problems may occur and how bad they will be. It is important to know that Spina bifida can affect the nerves, surrounding spinal bones, muscles, and the overlying skin. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (2007), there are four types of Spina bifida: occulta, closed neural tube defects, meningocele, and myelomeningocele. Occulta is the mildest and most common form in which one or more vertebrae are malformed. The name “occulta,” which means “hidden,” indicates that the malformation, or opening in the spine, is covered by a layer of skin. This form of Spina bifida rarely causes disability or symptoms and rarely need surgery. Closed neural tube defects make up the second type of Spina bifida. This form consists of a diverse group of spinal defects in which the spinal cord is marked by a malformation of fat,

Cited: Foster R Mark, M. P. (2008). E medicine health. Retrieved November 30, 2008, Spina Bifida: http://www.emedicinehealth.com/spina_bifida/article_em.htm The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. (2007). The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Retrieved November 30, 2008, Spina Bifida Fact Sheet: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/spina_bifida/detail_spina_bifida.htm Alexander A Micheal, MD. (2008). Spina Bifida. Retrieved November 30, 2008, Kids Health for parents: http://kidshealth.org/parent/system/ill/spina_bifida.html