Spina Bifida and Anencephaly
(Neural Tube Defects)

Baby's First Year Milestones Slideshow

• What are spina bifida and anencephaly?
• How does spina bifida occur?
• What problems does spina bifida cause?
• How does anencephaly occur?
• What problems does anencephaly cause?
• Who is at risk of having a baby with a NTD (spina bifida or anencephaly)?
• How many pregnancies are affected by these birth defects?
• Can these birth defects be prevented?
• How can women get enough folic acid?
• Spina Bifida & Anencephaly At A Glance

What are spina bifida and anencephaly?

Spina bifida and anencephaly are neural tube defects (NTDs), which are common birth defects that affect thousands of babies each year in the United States. The neural tube is an early stage of the developing nervous system in the embryo.

How does spina bifida occur?

Spina bifida results from the failure of the spinal column to close, usually near the bottom of the spinal cord.

What problems does spina bifida cause?

Persons with spina bifida usually have serious disabilities. Legs and feet are often paralyzed, and there are problems with bowel and bladder control. Learning disabilities are common and mental retardation sometimes occurs.

How does anencephaly occur?

Anencephaly is marked by the incomplete development of the skull bones. The brain is partially (or completely) absent.

What problems does anencephaly cause?

Anencephaly is a medical disaster. Infants with this condition die either before birth or very shortly thereafter.

Who is at risk of having a baby with a NTD (spina bifida or anencephaly)?

Any woman can have a NTD pregnancy.

About 95% of NTD pregnancies occur to women with no prior history of a NTD pregnancy.

However, a woman who has already had an NTD pregnancy is 20 times more likely to have a subsequent affected pregnancy.

How many pregnancies are affected by these birth defects?

Almost 4,000 pregnancies a year in the U.S. involve a NTD. In other words, there are 11 NTD pregnancies a day in this country.

About 1 of every 1,000 infants born in the United States has spina bifida or anencephaly.

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