Spina bifida happens when a baby's spine does not form normally. It results into a damage to the nerves that comes out of spinal cord.

Spina means related to spine and bifida means splitted or divided. It happens at about 4 weeks of pregnancy before the mother become aware that she is pregnant. At this time, a baby's spine and spinal cord are developing.

Sometimes, the defect causes an opening in the back, which is visible. The spinal cord and its coverings come out through this opening. Other times, there is no external defect and it remains hidden beneath the skin.

Symptoms vary according to severity of the defect. Mild defects cause few or no problems, while severe defects cause serious problems, including weakness, loss of bladder control, or loss of sensation.

Causes                                                                                                                                         

Low levels of the vitamin folic acid during pregnancy are linked to spina bifida. Folic acid plays a large role in cell growth and development, as well as tissue formation. Not having enough folic acid in the diet before and during early pregnancy can increase a woman's risk of spina bifida and other neural tube defects.

The causes of spina bifida in pregnancies where mothers took prenatal vitamins and got enough folic acid are largely unknown. Some evidence suggests that genes may play a role, but most babies born with spina bifida have no family history of the condition.

A high fever during pregnancy may increase a woman's chances of having a baby with spina bifida. Women with epilepsy who have taken the drug valproic acid to control seizures also are at an increased risk of having a baby with spina bifida.

Treatment

Treatment for spina bifida depends on its severity. 

The goal is to create a lifestyle for them and their families in which their disability interferes as little as possible with normal everyday activities.

Because spina bifida can involve many body systems, like the nervous and skeletal systems, children may require expertise of many medical professionals. This team may include neurosurgeons, urologists, and orthopedic surgeons, physical and occupational therapists, and orthotists.

Many children with spina bifida need walking aids like leg braces, walkers, or a wheelchair. With the right medical care, kids can go on to lead normal, active lives. 

Prevention

Spina bifida can be prevented to great extent if women of childbearing age take 0.4 milligrams (400 micrograms) of folic acid every day before pregnancy and continue to take it throughout the first trimester. Because many women don't find out that they're pregnant until 4 to 5 weeks into the pregnancy, it is important to start taking folic acid before becoming pregnant. This provides the best protection for an unborn baby. Good sources of folic acid include eggs, orange juice, and dark green leafy vegetables. Many multivitamins contain the recommended dose of folic acid, too.