What is Spina Bifida?
SPINA BIFIDA ASSOCIATION
OF
SPINA BIFIDA ASSOCIATION
OF [NAME OF LOCAL SBA]
What is Spina Bifida?
• The most common, permanent and disabling
birth defect in the United States
SPINA BIFIDA ASSOCIATION
OF [NAME OF LOCAL SBA]
Who is at risk?
• All women who have started their menstrual
cycle
• Half of all pregnancies are not planned
SPINA BIFIDA ASSOCIATION
OF [NAME OF LOCAL SBA]
Who is at risk?
• 60 million women are at risk of having a baby
born with Spina Bifida
• 8 babies are born with Spina Bifida every day
SPINA BIFIDA ASSOCIATION
OF [NAME OF LOCAL SBA]
Can Spina Bifida be prevented?
• Exact cause is not known
• Medical research confirms link between folic
acid and Spina Bifida*
* (and other birth defects)
SPINA BIFIDA ASSOCIATION
OF [NAME OF LOCAL SBA]
Can Spina Bifida be prevented?
• Women who take 400 mcg of folic acid every
day reduce the risk by up to 70%.
– BEFORE becoming pregnant
– During first three months of pregnancy
SPINA BIFIDA ASSOCIATION
OF [NAME OF LOCAL SBA]
What is folic acid?
• B-vitamin that builds healthy cells
• In most multivitamins
• Foods
– Leafy green vegetables (broccoli and spinach)
– Fruits and juices (orange juice)
– Folic acid-fortified breakfast cereals and other bread
and grain products
The surest way to get enough folic acid every day
is to take a vitamin with folic acid.
SPINA BIFIDA ASSOCIATION
OF [NAME OF LOCAL SBA]
What are the effects of Spina Bifida?
• Ongoing medical challenges
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*Full or partial paralysis
Nervous system complications
*Bladder and bowel control difficulties
*Hydrocephalus
Learning disabilities
Depression
Social and sexual issues
SPINA BIFIDA ASSOCIATION
OF [NAME OF LOCAL SBA]
What are the effects of Spina Bifida?
• Latex allergy
– 70% of children and adolescents with
Spina Bifida are sensitive to latex
– Items made with latex include:
• Pencil erasers
• Toys like balls and balloons
• Rubber bands
SPINA BIFIDA ASSOCIATION
OF [NAME OF LOCAL SBA]
How does Spina Bifida happen?
• First month of pregnancy
– Before most women know they are pregnant
• The spine does not close
– Causes an opening or lesion
– Damaged nerves may result in varying degrees of
paralysis
SPINA BIFIDA ASSOCIATION
OF [NAME OF LOCAL SBA]
What happens after birth?
• Surgery
– Reduces risk of infection
– Further damage to the spinal cord
• Life-long treatment and care
SPINA BIFIDA ASSOCIATION
OF [NAME OF LOCAL SBA]
What will a child with SB need?
• Catheterization
• Accessible areas
• Educational support
• To be treated normally
SPINA BIFIDA ASSOCIATION
OF [NAME OF LOCAL SBA]
The SBA: Our Mission
• Promote prevention of Spina Bifida
• Enhance the lives of all affected
SPINA BIFIDA ASSOCIATION
OF [NAME OF LOCAL SBA]
What does the SBA do?
• Serve as a liaison with local or nearby
medical experts
• Provide information and support
• Engage in community activities
SPINA BIFIDA ASSOCIATION
OF [NAME OF LOCAL SBA]
Additional Resources
• Spina Bifida Association
– National Resource Center: 1-800-621-3141
– www.spinabifidaassociation.org
– sbaa@sbaa.org
SPINA BIFIDA ASSOCIATION
OF [NAME OF LOCAL SBA]
Questions?