Spina Bifida Association of America

• Mission:

To promote the prevention of spina bifida and to enhance the lives of all affected

• Local Group Members

59 group members across the country

Topic: Spina Bifida Awareness

• What is spina bifida?

–most common life-long birth defect of the spine

One out of every 1,000 newborns in the United States

has spina bifida.

Spina Bifida

3

Spina bifida is a neural tube defect (NTD) involving incomplete formation of the spine.

Day 17-18 after conception the

neural tube starts forming

(3 days after the missed menstrual period)

5

Neural Tube28 Days Neural Tube FormedFourth pharyngeal (branchial) arch

Third pharyngeal (branchial) arch

Lens placode (primordium of lens)

Lower limb bud

Upper limb bud 10

Not all cases of spina bifida are the same.

• Typical characteristics may include:

–paralysis of the legs

–loss of bowel and bladder control

–learning disabilities

Individuals with spina bifida may lead successful and productive lives.

Neural Tube Defects (NTDs)

• Can happen in any family

• NTDs like spina bifida occur during the first month of pregnancy – before most women know they are pregnant.

Factors related to spina bifida

• genetic factors

• environmental factors

• folic acid deficiency - preventablepreventable

Folic acid may reduce the risk.

• Studies have shown that the B vitamin folic acid can reduce the chances of having a child with a NTD by up to 75%.

• Since most pregnancies are not planned, it is important for all women who could become pregnant to take folic acid everydaytake folic acid everyday.

• Additional benefits for both men and women include fighting heart disease and colon and cervical cancers.

Folic Acid RecommendationsU.S. Public Health Service (1992) and Institutes of Medicine (1998)

• All women who could become pregnant:– 400 micrograms (400mcg)

• Also written as 0.4 milligrams (0.4 mg)– found in over-the-counter multivitamins

• Women with a history of NTDs (have a child with spina bifida, have spina bifida themselves, have had an affected pregnancy):– 4000 micrograms (4000mcg)

• Also written as 4.0 milligrams (4.0 mg)– Need a prescription for this amount

Remembering folic acid

• Women agree that folic acid can help reduce the chances of a neural tube defect and that it is important for women with a history of NTDs, but they sometimes forget to take it.

• Connect taking a folic acid supplement to something you already do everyday – brush your teeth – feed the dog– eat lunch – read the newspaper– any other daily activity!

Folic acid is not a guarantee, but it can help!

• Many factors influence pregnancy, e.g.

genetics, things a woman may come in contact with during pregnancy

• Folic acid intake alone will not ensure a healthy baby

• Taking folic acid every day, and before and during early pregnancy, reduces the risk of having a child with spina bifida.

Opportunities and responsibilities for health care providers

• Give information about folic acid to any woman that could get pregnant– Waiting room– Examination room– When filling out any paper work

• Identify women who have a history of neural tube defects and need more folic acid– Patient history– During exam

Opportunities and responsibilities for health care providers (cont’d)

• Prescribe 4000 mcg of folic acid for women who have a history of neural tube defects and are planning a pregnancy

• Tell women to take folic acid

How can I help?

Tell your friends and family Tell your friends and family about spina bifidaabout spina bifida

Resources

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Resources (cont’d)

Spina Bifida Association of America

4590 MacArthur Blvd., NW, Suite 250

Washington, DC 20007-4226

1-800-621-3141

Email: sbaa@sbaa.org

Web site: www.sbaa.org