Spina bifida\u00a0is when\u00a0a baby’s spine and spinal cord does not develop properly\u00a0in the womb, causing a gap in the spine.<\/b><\/p>\n
Spina bifida is a type of neural tube defect.\u00a0The neural tube is the structure that eventually develops into the baby’s brain and spinal cord.<\/p>\n
The neural tube starts to form in early pregnancy and closes about 4 weeks after conception.<\/p>\n
In spina bifida, part of the neural tube does not develop or close properly, leading to\u00a0defects in the spinal cord and bones of the spine (vertebrae).<\/p>\n
It’s not known what causes spina bifida, but a lack of\u00a0folic acid before and in the early stages of pregnancy<\/a>\u00a0is a\u00a0significant risk factor.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Spina bifida\u00a0is when\u00a0a baby’s spine and spinal cord does not develop properly\u00a0in the womb, causing a gap in the spine. Spina bifida is a type of neural tube defect.\u00a0The neural tube is the structure that eventually develops into the baby’s brain and spinal cord. The neural tube starts to form in early pregnancy and closes … Continue reading What is Spina Bifida?<\/span>