03/10/2023
***IT'S SPINA BIFIDA AWARENESS MONTH***
Spina Bifida is a birth defect that occurs when the spine and the Spinal Cord don't form properly. It's a type of Neural Tube Defect (NTD)
CAUSES:
We do not know all the causes of Spina Bifida. The rolls that genetics and the environment play in causing Spina Bifida need to be studied further. However the birth effect it's self is caused by incomplete development of the Fetus' spine during the first month of pregnancy. The term Spina Bifida means 'Split Spine'.
DIAGNOSIS:
Spina Bifida can be diagnosed during Pregnancy or after the baby is born.
**********DURING PREGNANCY******
During Pregnancy, there are screening tests (Prenatal tests) to check for Spina Bifida
* AFP (Alpha-fetoprotein). This is a simple blood test that measures how much Protein produced by the baby has passed into the mother's bloodstream. A hight level of AFP might mean that the baby has Spina Bifida.
* Ultra-sound. An ultra sound is a type of picture of the baby. In some cases, the doctor can see if the baby has Spina Bifida or find other reasons that there might be a high level of AFP. Frequently Spina Bifida can be seen with this test.
* Amniocentesis. For this test, the doctor takes a small sample of the Amniotic fluid sorrounding the baby in the womb. Higher than average levels of AFP in the fluid might mean the baby has Spina bifida.
*******AFTER BABY IS BORN******
In some cases, Spina Bifida might be diagnosed until after the baby is born.
Sometimes there is a hairu patch of Skin or a dimple on the baby's back that is first seen after the baby is born.
A doctor can use an image scanner such as X-ray, MRI or CT to get a clearer view of the baby's Spine and bones in the back.
******HOWEVER*****
Regardless of the fact that we don't know the real cause of Spina Bifida, we do know that there are ways for women to reduce the risk of having a baby with Spina Bifida both before and during Pregnancy
If you're pregnant or could get pregnant, Use the following tip to help prevent your baby from having Spina Bifida
TAKE 400mcg OF FOLIC ACID EVERYDAY WITHOUT FAIL FOR THE FIRST THREE (3) MONTHS.
If you have already had a pregnancy affected by Spina Bifida, you may need to take a higher dose of folic acid before pregnancy and during early pregnancy. Talk to your doctor to discuss what's best for you.
**********REMEMBER**********"
Spina Bifida happens in the first few weeks of pregnancy, often before a woman knows she's pregnant. Although folic acid is not a guarantee that a woman will have a healthy pregnancy, taking folic acid can help reduce a woman's risk of having a pregnancy affected by Spina Bifida.
******LIVING WITH SPINA BIFIDA*******
Spina Bifida can range from mild to severe. Some people may have little to no disability.
Other people may be limited in the way they move or function.
Some people may even be paralysed or Unable to walk or move parts of their bodies
