24.06.2026

Spina Bifida in Newborns: What It Is, Causes, Forms and Treatment

Expecting a baby is a time filled with dreams, excitement and hope. But sometimes, during pregnancy or shortly after birth, parents hear a diagnosis that changes the course of events — Spina Bifida.

For most families, this is a completely unfamiliar condition. Naturally, many questions arise:

– What does this diagnosis mean?
– Why did it happen?
– Can the baby be helped?
– Will surgery be necessary?
– What kind of future awaits the child?

Despite the complexity of the diagnosis, modern medicine has significantly expanded the possibilities for treating Spina Bifida in children. Thanks to early diagnosis, multidisciplinary medical teams and timely neurosurgical procedures, many children have a chance to lead active lives, develop and learn.

In this article, we will explain in simple terms what is Spina Bifida, what the main forms of Spina Bifida are, what the causes of Spina Bifida may be, what symptoms can occur, how diagnosis of Spina Bifida is carried out, what treatment of Spina Bifida may involve, and why timely medical care is so important.

What is Spina Bifida?

Spina Bifida is a congenital neural tube defect that develops during the early stages of pregnancy.

During normal fetal development, the neural tube closes completely at around the fourth week of pregnancy. It eventually develops into the brain and spinal cord.

If this process is disrupted, the spine does not close completely. Depending on the form of the condition, the membranes surrounding the spinal cord or parts of the spinal cord itself may protrude through the defect.

That is why Spina Bifida is considered a serious congenital condition that requires specialized medical care and, in many cases, surgical treatment.

How common is Spina Bifida?

Spina Bifida is one of the most common congenital defects affecting the nervous system.

Thousands of children around the world are born with this diagnosis every year.

Thanks to advances in prenatal diagnosis, doctors can often suspect Spina Bifida during pregnancy. This makes it possible to plan delivery at a specialized medical center in advance and provide the baby with the necessary care in a timely manner.

Causes of Spina Bifida

The exact causes of Spina Bifida have not yet been established.

It is known that several factors may contribute to the development of this condition at the same time.

These may include:

– insufficient folic acid levels during the early stages of pregnancy;
– genetic predisposition;
– certain chronic health conditions in the mother;
– taking certain medications during pregnancy;
– problems with neural tube development during the early stages of embryonic development.

It is important to understand that in most cases, parents are not responsible for their child's Spina Bifida. It is a complex, multifactorial condition that often could not have been predicted or prevented.

What are the forms of Spina Bifida?

The severity of the condition can vary considerably.

Doctors distinguish several main forms.

Spina Bifida Occulta

This is the mildest form of the condition.

The spinal defect is small, and the spinal cord remains inside the spinal canal.

In many people, this form may not cause any symptoms and is discovered incidentally during an examination.

Meningocele

In this form, the membranes surrounding the spinal cord protrude through the spinal defect, forming a fluid-filled sac.

The spinal cord itself usually remains in its normal position.

With timely treatment, the prognosis is often favorable.

Myelomeningocele

This is the most severe and most common form of Spina Bifida.

Through the spinal defect, not only the membranes but also part of the spinal cord and nerve structures protrude outward.

This form most often requires urgent surgery during the first hours or days after birth.

Symptoms of Spina Bifida

The symptoms of Spina Bifida depend on the level of the spinal defect and the form of the condition.

Symptoms can vary significantly from one child to another.

Possible signs include:

– a visible bulge or mass in the back area;
– weakness or impaired movement of the lower limbs;
– changes in sensation;
– problems with bladder and bowel function;
– orthopedic problems.

Some children may also develop hydrocephalus, which is why additional examinations and, when necessary, treatment may be required after birth.

Diagnosis of Spina Bifida

In many cases, diagnosis of Spina Bifida is possible during pregnancy.

Doctors may use:

– fetal ultrasound;
– additional prenatal examinations when indicated.

After birth, doctors may perform:

– a clinical examination;
– ultrasound examinations;
– MRI or CT scans when necessary;
– consultations with a neurosurgeon, orthopedist, neurologist and other specialists.

A comprehensive assessment helps doctors determine the most appropriate treatment approach.

Surgery for Spina Bifida: Why is it important to act quickly?

In open forms of Spina Bifida, surgery for Spina Bifida often needs to be performed as soon as possible after birth.

This can help:

– protect the nervous structures from further damage;
– reduce the risk of infectious complications;
– create better conditions for the child's further development.

That is why these babies are immediately placed under the care of a multidisciplinary medical team.

How does the “Mother and Child” Charitable Organization help?

For more than 20 years, the “Mother and Child” Charitable Organization has supported newborns with severe congenital conditions, including children with Spina Bifida.

We help hospitals obtain specialized medical supplies needed for urgent neurosurgical procedures.

For many families, this support is crucial because it makes it possible to provide treatment without delay and give the child a chance for a healthier future.

Conclusion

Spina Bifida is a serious condition that requires comprehensive treatment and long-term medical follow-up. However, modern medicine gives children with this congenital condition significantly more opportunities than it did several decades ago.

Timely diagnosis, professional medical care and family support allow many children to grow, learn and reach their potential.

The most important thing is not to face the diagnosis alone. Doctors, specialists and charitable organizations are there to help families through this difficult journey.

FAQ

Can Spina Bifida be detected during pregnancy?

Yes. In many cases, the condition can be suspected during a routine ultrasound examination.

Do all children with Spina Bifida need surgery?

No. The need for surgery and its timing depend on the form of the condition and the individual clinical situation.

Can a child with Spina Bifida live a full life?

Many children who receive timely treatment and rehabilitation grow, learn and lead active lives. The prognosis depends on the form of the condition, the level of the spinal defect and how quickly medical care is provided.