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.