Birth Defects of the Brain and Spinal Cord

Two most common birth defects affecting the unborn baby are spina bifida and anencephaly. These are called neural tube defects (NTD) affecting the brain or spinal cord of the developing baby.

The neural tube, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is a narrow channel that folds and closes during the first few weeks of pregnancy to form the brain and spinal cord. If the neural tube fails to close completely, it can cause a neural tube defect.

Spina bifida

Spina bifida, the most common birth defect in the United States, occurs when the neural tube that forms the spinal cord and spinal column does not close completely during the first month of fetal development. According to recent estimates, about 1, 500 babies are born with spina bifida in the United States each year.

Usually, there is damage to nerves below the affected area of the spinal column that can cause paralysis of the legs. As a result, the child will have difficulty or complete inability to walk in the future. In some cases, buildup of fluid in the brain may occur - a condition called hydrocephalus.

Other problems affecting babies with spina bifida include difficulty of controlling bowel and bladder functions and meningitis. Meningitis is an infection that occurs in tissues surrounding the brain.

Depending on the severity of the condition, children with spina bifida may have learning difficulties later in life. This may include difficulty of paying attention and language and reading problems.

Severe spina bifida may result in death of the infant.

Anencephaly

Anencephaly, a serious neural tube defect, occurs when the neural tube that forms the brain does not properly close. It can result in the baby lacking some parts of the brain. Sometimes, parts of the skull and scalp may not develop as well. According CDC estimates, about 1, 000 babies are born with anencephaly in United States each year.

Because of the seriousness of the condition, most babies born with anencephaly die. They may either be stillborn or die shortly after delivery. Those who survive will die before 1 year of age, according to the CDC.

Can neural tube defects be prevented?

According to the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), daily intake of enough folic acid before and during pregnancy can prevent the development of most neural tube defects.

Experts recommend that women who are of childbearing age should get 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid every day. Folic acid is a type of B vitamin that helps in forming new cells.

It is important that the multivitamin the woman takes contains 400 mcg of folic acid. A single serving of a fortified cereal may also just be enough to get the recommended amount of folic acid. Remember to read the food label of the cereal making sure that each serving contains 400 micrograms of folic acid.

Sources:

Spina Bifida (March 2009). Retrieved on February 20, 2010, from http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/birthdefects/SpinaBifida.htm

Anencephaly (March 2009). Retrieved on February 20, 2010, from http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/birthdefects/Anencephaly.htm

Neural Tube Defects (May 2007). Retrieved on February 20, 2010, from http://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/neural_tube_defects.cfm