What are anencephaly and spina bifida?
Anencephaly is a condition in which the brain fails to develop. This condition is not compatible with life, and the fetus is often miscarried or stillborn. Spina bifida is a birth defect where the bones of the spine have not formed properly over the spinal cord. Spina bifida can be associated with paralysis and other health problems. Approximately, half of children with spina bifida will have learning problems. Many develop hydrocephalus (“water on the brain”) which may require surgery. Many also have problems with bowel and bladder control. Anencephaly and spina bifida are both examples of a condition called a “neural tube defect”. In Manitoba, about 2 babies out of 1000 are born with a neural tube defect.
Related Questions
- Approximately how many pregnancies each year are affected by spina bifida or anencephaly?
- Approximately how many pregnancies each year are affected by spina bifida or anencephaly?
- What are Neural Tube Defects (NTDs) spina bifida and anencephaly?
- What are Neural Tube Defects (NTDs) spina bifida and anencephaly?
- What are anencephaly and spina bifida?
- What are spina bifida and anencephaly?
