![]() Sometimes spina bifida is not diagnosed until after the baby is born because the mother did not receive prenatal care or an ultrasound did not show clear pictures of the affected part of the spine. A doctor can use an image scan, such as an, X-ray, MRI, or CT, to get a clearer view of the baby’s spine and the bones in the back. Sometimes there is a hairy patch of skin or a dimple on the baby’s back that is first seen after the baby is born. ![]() In some cases, spina bifida might not be diagnosed until after the baby is born. Higher than average levels of AFP in the fluid might mean that the baby has spina bifida. Amniocentesis (sounds like: am-knee-oh-sin-te-sus hear how “amniocentesis” sounds external icon ) – For this test, the doctor takes a small sample of the amniotic fluid surrounding the baby in the womb.Frequently, spina bifida can be seen with this test. In some cases, the doctor can see if the baby has spina bifida or find other reasons that there might be a high level of AFP. Ultrasound – An ultrasound is a type of picture of the baby.An AFP test might be part of a test called the “triple screen” that looks for neural tube defects and other issues. A high level of AFP might mean that the baby has spina bifida. This is a simple blood test that measures how much AFP has passed into the mother’s bloodstream from the baby. AFP – AFP stands for alpha-fetoprotein (sounds like: al-fa–fee-toe-pro-teen), a protein the unborn baby produces.Talk with your doctor about any questions or concerns you have about this prenatal testing. During Pregnancyĭuring pregnancy there are screening tests (prenatal tests) to check for spina bifida and other birth defects. Spina bifida occulta might not be diagnosed until late childhood or adulthood, or might never be diagnosed. Spina bifida can be diagnosed during pregnancy or after the baby is born. This type of spina bifida usually does not cause any disabilities. Many times, spina bifida occulta is not discovered until late childhood or adulthood. The spinal cord and the nerves usually are normal. With it, there is a small gap in the spine, but no opening or sac on the back. It is sometimes called “hidden” spina bifida. Spina bifida occulta is the mildest type of spina bifida. Spina Bifida Occulta (sounds like: o-cult-tuh hear how “occulta” sounds external icon ) This type of spina bifida can cause minor disabilities. There is usually little or no nerve damage. With meningocele a sac of fluid comes through an opening in the baby’s back. Meningocele (sounds like: ma-nin-jo-seal hear how “meningocele” sounds external icon )Īnother type of spina bifida is meningocele. This type of spina bifida causes moderate to severe disabilities, such as problems affecting how the person goes to the bathroom, loss of feeling in the person’s legs or feet, and not being able to move the legs. Part of the spinal cord and nerves are in this sac and are damaged. With this condition, a sac of fluid comes through an opening in the baby’s back. Myelomeningocele is the most serious type of spina bifida. When people talk about spina bifida, most often they are referring to myelomeningocele. Myelomeningocele (sounds like: my-low-ma-nin-jo-seal hear how “myelomeningocele” sounds external icon )
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |