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The Mystery of Fetal Development: Why Does Spina Bifida Appear Early in Pregnancy?
Spina bifida, also known as spina bifida, is a birth defect in which the closure of the spine and its surrounding membranes does not complete during fetal development, usually in the first trimester. This condition often causes many concerns because it is closely related to the development of the nervous system.
The formation of spina bifida is caused by the interaction of multiple factors, including genetic factors and environmental factors.
Types of spina bifida
There are three main types of spina bifida: spina bifida occulta, meningocele, and myelomeningocele. The extent of the effects and symptoms of each type vary widely.
Spina bifida occulta
Spina bifida occulta is the mildest form of the condition and is often asymptomatic, and many people are not even aware they have it. The skin may have minor abnormalities where it is missing, such as hair strands or indentations, but this will not affect the function of the spinal cord.
Spina bifida occulta does not cause elevated maternal blood levels of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), which makes it often overlooked in screening.
Meningocele
Meningocele is a gap in the spine where the meninges protrude and is usually accompanied by minor health problems. Nervous system function in this type of disease is usually minimally affected.
Myelomeningocele
Myelomeningocele is the most serious condition in which the spinal cord and nerve tissue bulge through several openings. Children with this condition often face limited mobility and other neurological problems.
Causes of spina bifida
Research shows that the occurrence of spina bifida is related to genetic and environmental factors. A diet deficient in folic acid during pregnancy, in particular, can help reduce the risk of neural tube defects.
Folic acid supplementation can reduce the chance of these problems by about 70%.
Screening and prevention
While there is currently no way to completely prevent spina bifida from developing, regular screenings can catch potential problems during an ultrasound in April. Further testing such as amniocentesis can confirm whether spina bifida is present.
Research has shown that taking folic acid supplements in the first three months of pregnancy can effectively reduce the risk of neural tube defects.
Treatment Options
For babies diagnosed with spina bifida, surgery is usually performed after birth to close the opening in the back to prevent further nerve damage and infection. If fluid accumulation is present, a drain may be installed to drain excess cerebrospinal fluid from the brain.
Thinking about the future
The treatment methods for spina bifida are constantly improving. With the advancement of medical technology, timely intervention can significantly improve the quality of life of patients. In the future, we should think about how to further improve public awareness of spina bifida prevention, especially the emphasis on pre-pregnancy nutrition and the popularization of screening?
