How Spina Bifida Happens — And How You Can Help Prevent It

 Introduction


Imagine a baby being born with part of their spine exposed. They may never walk or have control over their bladder and bowels. This heartbreaking condition is called spina bifida, and sadly, many mothers don’t know it can be prevented—simply by taking folic acid before and during pregnancy.


In this post, I break down what spina bifida is, how it happens, and most importantly, how we can stop it before it starts.





🧠 What Is Spina Bifida?


Spina bifida is a birth defect where the baby’s spine and spinal cord do not develop properly. It’s one of the most common types of neural tube defects (NTDs).


The neural tube is the early structure that becomes the baby’s brain and spinal cord. In spina bifida, this tube fails to close completely within the first 28 days of pregnancy—often before the mother even knows she is pregnant.




🧬 How Does It Happen?


During early pregnancy:


A flat layer of cells forms a structure called the neural plate.


This folds and closes to form the neural tube.


The top becomes the brain, and the rest becomes the spinal cord.


The spine bones (vertebrae) then grow around the neural tube for protection.



But in spina bifida, this process is interrupted. The neural tube doesn’t close fully, and the bones don’t form properly—leaving a gap that exposes the spinal cord or nerves.





🩺 Types of Spina Bifida


1. Spina Bifida Occulta (Hidden):


Mildest form. No visible opening. Most people don’t know they have it.




2. Meningocele:


The protective covering of the spinal cord pushes through a gap in the spine. The spinal cord remains in place.




3. Myelomeningocele (Severe):


Both the spinal cord and nerves push out through the gap. Can cause permanent disability, including paralysis.








⚠️ What Increases the Risk?


Spina bifida can happen to anyone, but certain factors raise the risk:


Lack of folic acid before and during pregnancy


Family history of neural tube defects


Uncontrolled diabetes


Obesity before pregnancy


Certain medications, especially anti-seizure drugs


Exposure to high body temperature (e.g., hot tubs, fever)






✅ How Can You Prevent It?


The good news? Spina bifida is largely preventable.


The key is folic acid—a B vitamin that helps the neural tube form correctly. Because neural tube defects happen so early in pregnancy, it's important to start before you even know you're expecting.


✔️ Prevention Tips:


Take 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid daily (even if you’re not planning to get pregnant yet).


If you’ve had a baby with spina bifida before, your doctor may recommend a higher dose: 4,000 mcg (4 mg).


Eat foods rich in folate:


Leafy greens like spinach and sukuma wiki


Beans and peas


Citrus fruits like oranges


Fortified cereals and grains







💬 Final Thoughts


Spina bifida is a life-changing condition—but it doesn’t have to be a life sentence. One of the easiest and most powerful things we can do is educate ourselves and other women about the importance of folic acid.


Let’s create a future where fewer children suffer from preventable conditions. Share this post. Talk to your sisters, cousins, friends, and community. One small vitamin can make a world of difference.





💚 Stay informed. Stay prepared. Stay empowered.


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