Spina bifida is when a baby's spine and spinal cord don't develop properly in the womb, causing a gap in the spine.
Spina bifida is a type of neural tube defect. The neural tube is the structure that eventually develops into the baby's brain and spinal cord.
The neural tube starts to form in early pregnancy and closes about 4 weeks after conception.
In spina bifida, part of the neural tube doesn't develop or close properly, leading to defects in the spinal cord and bones of the spine (vertebrae).
It's not known what causes spina bifida, but a lack of folic acid before and in the early stages of pregnancy is a significant risk factor.
There are several different types of spina bifida, including:
These pages focus on myelomeningocele, the most severe type of spina bifida, and this is the type referred to whenever the term spina bifida is used.
Shine is a charity that provides help and support for people affected by spina bifida.
Shine's website has more information about the other types of spina bifida.
In most cases of spina bifida, surgery can be used to close the opening in the spine.
But the nervous system will usually already have been damaged, which can lead to problems such as:
Many babies will have or develop hydrocephalus (a build-up of fluid on the brain), which can further damage the brain.
Most people with spina bifida have normal intelligence, but some have learning difficulties.
Read more about the symptoms of spina bifida.
The cause of spina bifida is unknown, but a number of factors can increase the risk of a baby developing the condition.
These include:
Read more about the causes of spina bifida.
Most cases of spina bifida are detected during the mid-pregnancy anomaly scan, which is offered to all pregnant women between 18 and 21 weeks of pregnancy.
If tests confirm that your baby has spina bifida, the implications will be discussed with you.
This will include a discussion about the possible problems associated with the condition, the treatment and support your child may need if you decide to continue with the pregnancy, and what your options are regarding ending the pregnancy, if that's your choice.
Once the baby is born, a number of tests may be carried out to assess the severity of the condition and help decide which treatments are appropriate.
Tests may include:
In most cases, surgery to repair the spine will be recommended soon after your baby is born.
Treatments for the symptoms or conditions associated with spina bifida include:
With the right treatment and support, many children with spina bifida survive well into adulthood.
It can be a challenging condition to live with, but many adults with spina bifida are able to lead independent and fulfilling lives.
Read more about treating spina bifida.
The best way to prevent spina bifida is to take folic acid supplements before and during pregnancy.
You should take a 400 microgram folic acid tablet every day while you're trying to get pregnant and until you're 12 weeks pregnant.
If you didn't take folic acid before you conceived, you should start as soon as you find out you're pregnant.
Folic acid tablets are available from pharmacies and supermarkets, or your GP may be able to prescribe them for you.
You should also try to eat foods that contain folate (the natural form of folic acid), such as broccoli, spinach and chickpeas.
Read more about folic acid, including folic acid supplements and foods containing folate.
Women thought to be at higher risk of having a child with spina bifida need to be prescribed a higher (5 milligram) dose of folic acid by their GP.
Women at higher risk include those:
Your GP can advise you further about this.
If you're taking medication to treat epilepsy, you should consult your GP for advice. You may also need to take a higher dose of folic acid.
If you have a child with spina bifida or you have been diagnosed with the condition yourself, you may find it helpful to speak to other people affected by spina bifida.
Shine, the spina bifida and hydrocephalus charity, can provide you with details about local support groups and organisations.
You can find and contact your regional Shine team or read about support for carers on the Shine website.
If you or your child has spina bifida, your clinical team will pass information about you or your child on to the National Congenital Anomaly and Rare Diseases Registration Service (NCARDRS).
The NCARDRS helps scientists look for better ways to prevent and treat this condition. You can opt out of the register at any time.