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Spina Bifida
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Genetics Birth Defects

Spina Bifida

Spina bifida is a neural tube defect occurring when the fetal spinal column fails to close completely during the first month of pregnancy.

Overview

This defect can damage the nerves and spinal cord. It is often identified through screening tests during pregnancy, though it is sometimes discovered only after the baby is born. While the exact cause is unknown, the condition appears to run in families.

Symptoms and Complications

Symptoms vary significantly between individuals. While most people with spina bifida have normal intelligence, they may experience:

  • Learning difficulties
  • Urinary and bowel problems
  • Hydrocephalus (a buildup of fluid in the brain)
  • The need for assistive devices such as crutches, braces, or wheelchairs

Prevention

Taking folic acid daily can reduce the risk of having a baby with spina bifida. Folic acid is found in most multivitamins, and it is recommended that all women who could become pregnant take it daily.

Frequently Asked Questions

Parents should watch for a rapidly increasing head circumference, a bulging or tense fontanelle (soft spot), persistent vomiting, excessive sleepiness, irritability, or a high-pitched cry. In older children, signs may include headaches, vision changes, or balance issues. Any of these symptoms require immediate contact with the neurosurgical team, as hydrocephalus can progress quickly and affect brain development.
Long-term use of assistive devices requires careful orthopedic monitoring to prevent secondary complications such as scoliosis (curvature of the spine) or hip dislocation. Physical therapy is essential to maintain muscle strength and joint flexibility. Regular orthopedic evaluations are needed to adjust braces or wheelchairs as the individual grows, ensuring proper alignment and preventing skin breakdown or pressure sores.
Spina bifida can be detected through maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (MSAFP) blood tests, typically performed between 15 and 20 weeks of pregnancy, and detailed ultrasound scans, often done around 18 to 22 weeks. An amniocentesis may also be used to confirm the diagnosis if initial tests are abnormal. Early detection allows for discussions about surgical options, such as fetal surgery, which can be performed before birth in specific cases to improve outcomes.
While spina bifida cannot be completely prevented, the risk can be significantly reduced by taking folic acid. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that all women of childbearing age take at least 400 micrograms of folic acid daily. For women with a previous pregnancy affected by a neural tube defect, a higher dose of 4,000 micrograms (4 milligrams) is often recommended, but this should only be taken under the guidance of a healthcare provider.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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