According to the March of Dimes, spina bifida is the most common of a group of birth defects called neural tube defects (NTDs). The neural tube is the embryonic structure that develops into the brain and spinal cord. Often called open spine, spina bifida affects the backbone and sometimes, the spinal cord. It is one of the most common severe birth defects in the United States, affecting about 1,300 babies each year.

The 2-D ultrasound image above shows a baby with spina bifida. You can see a ‘bubble’ like mass at the end of the baby’s spine, where the skin and muscle didn’t close over the spinal cord.  Spina bifida is sometimes associated with chromosome abnormality, especially if other abnormalities are found during the prenatal ultrasound.  Spina bifida is either found during a screening ultrasound or a maternal serum alpha fetoprotein test (MS-AFP). 

Spina bifida can be treated surgically depending on the severity. PCI sonographers are specially trained to pick up all forms of spina bifida. If it is discovered that your baby has spina bifida, PCI doctors and mid-level staff will refer you to pediatric neurosurgeons before he or she is born, so you can help prepare for what to expect regarding surgical options and beyond.