Common
Birth Defects
Most
often, doctors will require pregnant women to go under prenatal screening to
make sure that the infant inside the womb is in top shape. Although there may
be numerous complications and ailments common to infants, spina bifida is one
common birth defect which commonly occurs to one of 800 infants. Spina Bifida
is a defect which involves the partial closure of the spine. This incomplete
formation can lead to a partial spinal canal which in turn forces the spinal
cord and covering tissues to stick out of the infant’s back. Even until
present, the possible cause of myelomeningocele
is still unknown, lack of folic acid in the mother’s body during the first
trimester is suspected to be the reason for this type of birth defect.
Common
Causes of Myelomeningocele
Folate
or folic acid is essential for the development of both spine and brain. Even
though there is no evidence of any family connection yet, the risk of future
generation having this sickness is greater for children whose parents had this
condition. Some studies also reveal that virus may play an important role as
this condition rises for children born in the winter months. It is advised by
most physicians that a pregnant woman take 1mg of folic acid daily and anyone
who considers getting pregnant should have a regular intake of 0.4mg. Some
women also could go under different tests to determine their folic acid levels
before getting pregnant.
Moreover,
genetic counseling is recommended for women having a baby with this kind of
condition. While in some severe cases, therapeutic abortion is considered
during the early stages of pregnancy, surgery is advised by many. The operation
to repair this defect should be taken with utmost care and the infant should be
handled carefully by special care and positioning among others to avoid further
damage to the exposed spine.Click here to
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