Neural tube defect

What exactly is a neural tube defect in a baby?

Birth defects can affect the spinal cord. They are also known as neural tube defects or spinal bifida. In simple, there is a hole in the spinal cord and some of the nerves pop out through the skin in the back. These defects vary in severity. Neural tube birth defects affect about 1 in every 1,000 pregnancies. The mildest form of spinal cord defects are only of cosmetic concern, but other spinal cord defects can be life threatening. Even though spinal cord defects are rare, they account for a high number of newborn deaths. One of the ways to prevent spinal cord birth defects is to make sure that you take folic acid supplements during pregnancy.