Babies Born With Spina Bifida

Spina bifida is a congenital malformation that affects the baby’s spine. It develops during pregnancy, when the growing spine does not close properly around the spinal cord and nerves, leaving an opening that exposes them.

Symptoms of spina bifida

Being a malformation of the spine, spina bifida can cause both physical and intellectual disabilities. The severity of symptoms is variable, as there are several types of spina bifida. Thus, it will depend mainly on:

• The size of the opening.
• In which part of the column it occurs. The higher the back is, the more serious the consequences.
• Whether the nerves and spinal cord have been affected or not.

Following these criteria, we find  three types of spina bifida: open spina bifida, which is subdivided into myelomeningocele and meningocele ,  and occult spina bifida.

Meningocele

Meningocele affects the meninges, the membranes that cover and protect the brain and spinal cord. When they protrude through the opening in the spine, a fluid-filled sac (meningocele) is created.

Babies with this condition can suffer from a variety of health problems, depending on the damage to the nerves that surround the spine. For example, they may have muscle paralysis to varying degrees or have learning disabilities, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Myelomeningocele

When it comes to spina bifida, it is generally myelomeningocele. It is the most serious variety of this malformation, and causes disabilities that range from the most moderate to severe, even leading to loss of movement or sensation of the legs.

It occurs when the meninges and the lower end of the spinal cord poke through the hole in the spine and form a fluid-filled sac. This sac, which protrudes from the baby’s back, can burst during delivery, exposing the spinal cord and nerves.

In addition to bone or muscle problems, it is also common for babies with this malformation to have hydrocephalus, a buildup of fluid in or around the brain.

Hidden spina bifida

It is the mildest form of spina bifida and can go unnoticed. As its name suggests, in this variety of the syndrome the malformation is “hidden” under the skin.

Even when hidden, the skin in the area of ​​the opening may have birthmarks or a dimple. Inside, the cord may be attached to the tissue, rather than free, so that the nerves are not affected.

Most babies with spina bifida occulta do not have long-term problems. What’s more, it is often detected in late childhood or even as adults.

What Causes Spina Bifida?

Not all causes of spina bifida are known. It is necessary to investigate the factors involved in the development of this malformation, such as genetics or the environment. However, it is known for sure that it is related to low levels of folic acid.

Spina bifida appears in the first weeks of pregnancy . It often forms before the expectant mother even knows that she is pregnant. Taking folic acid during pregnancy (400 micrograms daily) helps reduce the risk of its appearance. However, this does not guarantee a healthy pregnancy.

Other tips that can be followed to prevent this malformation are:

• Consult with the doctor the best treatment to follow. Just as no two people are the same, there are no two identical pregnancies. It is better to follow a personalized treatment that meets all the needs of mother and child.
• Learn appropriately about the components of the drugs, vitamins and supplements that are taken. During pregnancy, the body reacts differently to some medications.
• Control body temperature. High fever can increase the baby’s chance of developing spina bifida.

Treatment

Treatment for spina bifida varies depending on its severity. Depending on which systems it affects, children will need the support of different specialists in the long term. This includes not only doctors, but also therapists, social workers, and associations that provide support and understanding.

In babies with spina bifida occulta, no treatment may be needed. If the spinal cord is tethered, surgery will be needed to separate it from the tissue. Babies usually have no problems after surgery, although the cord may reattach.

On the other hand, babies with meningocele need to be operated on during the first months of life. Surgery places the meninges in the body and closes the hole.

The process is similar with a myelomeningocele: the baby must be operated on, but between the first and second days after birth. If detected early in pregnancy, surgery can be done at week 25 to correct the malformation.  It will also be necessary to operate on hydrocephalus in case the baby suffers from it.