Facts About Spina Bifida

In spina bifida, the spinal column doesn’t close all the way during prenatal development. It is the most common permanently disabling birth defect. But, breakthroughs in care have uncovered new spina bifida treatment options that are advancing knowledge of the disease and improving outcomes for patients.

Learn more spina bifida facts below. Then share these fact cards with your friends and family to help raise awareness of birth defects like spina bifida, and the treatments available for them.

October is Spina Bifida Awareness Month

Spina Bifida is typically diagnosed by routine ultrasound between 16 and 18 weeks into the pregnancy.

In some cases, spina bifida can be treated while the baby is still in their mother's womb.

 
CHOP's Center for Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment is a world leader in fetal surgery. The team helped develop the techniques to treat spina bifida before birth.

In the United States, 1,500 children are diagnosed with spina bifida each year.

Established in 1964, CHOP's Spina Bifida Program was the first in the nation dedicated to providing multidisciplinary care.

 

Download the entire collection here.

 

October 2020