What is Spina Bifida?

Hey Y'all! 
I have been asked SO many times "What exactly is Spina Bifida?"... So I'm going to do my best to explain it!
Spina Bifida is neurol tube defect where the backbone and membranes around the spine don't completely close! There are 3 different forms. My form is called Myelomeningocele and is considered the most severe form! Some things that can come along with this form include: Poor mobility, bladder issues, hydrocephalus(Water on the brain), a tethered spinal cord and latex allergies... All of which I have dealt with! 



Spina Bifida is believed to be due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. It has been said that not getting enough folic acid before and during pregnancy increases the chances GREATLY! Open Spina Bifida(🙋🏻) can be surgically closed in the womb. This surgery was offered to my parents as a brand new surgery when I was born. They opted out at the time as there is a high risk the child will not walk! It has also been said that more girls are born each year with Spina Bifida then boys...
It is the most common nuerol tube defect in the US affecting 1,500 to 2,000 of the more then 4 million babies born each year! An estimated 166,000 individuals are living with Spina Bifida right now in the US! Open Spina Bifida can be first detected on an ultrasound and also by performing an amniocentesis... 
Studies have shown that if you have one child with Spina Bifida already (Or you are a Spina Bifida patient yourself) your risks greatly increase to have a child with this disability! So there you have it! I hope I have helped you learn something about this disability! 

💕Hugs💕
   Kelley 

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