Study Makes It Possible To Diagnose Spina Bifida In The Fetus
The spinal column of the fetus begins to close during the first month of gestation. If this does not happen, the baby may be born with spina bifida, a birth defect that causes great concern. However, thanks to advances in medicine, today it is possible to diagnose possible alterations in the neural tube of the fetus in the first weeks and there is even evidence that they have already been operated inside the uterus.
This disease can cause many inconveniences to patients, since they are born with different motor disabilities. In general, these people can develop their IQ normally, but the damage from the disorder can include a variety of symptoms.
The main concern about the development of spina bifida is that if it is not diagnosed during pregnancy, the baby can be born with damage to the brain, spinal cord, or spine. In this sense, the symptoms can be very varied; there may be learning disabilities, mobility difficulties, hydrocephalus, or intestinal and urinary diseases.
Special tests to detect spina bifida in the fetus
During the first month of pregnancy, the pregnant woman undergoes several tests to determine that everything is going well. Until now, ultrasounds have been the most common and prominent tests.
Recently a study led by Merck Consumer Health anticipated that there are certain ultrasound patterns that help determine spina bifida in the baby much earlier than had been achieved.
In this sense, the study does not consist in the application of super advanced techniques, but rather in carrying out a different follow-up. In other words, the same first month ultrasounds can reveal the problem once the correct markers are identified ; According to this advance, other physical problems can also be detected.
The research is pioneering in the measurement of ultrasound markers. Especially in those focused on the brain and other physical features of the fetus. The results of the study of more than 15 thousand pregnancies, revealed that between 10 and 12 weeks, evidence could be obtained that the fetus comes with open spina bifida. Currently, it is only possible from week 17 or 23.
The researchers explain that the development of this condition can have serious emotional consequences for the family, since it could affect the health of the child throughout his life. That is why an early diagnosis not only offers the opportunity to inform about the health of the fetus, but also makes possible a possible intervention feasible.
According to the study data, at the Charité Clinic in Berlin, there was 100% efficiency in the diagnosis of spina bifida during the first weeks of gestation. The test as such provides support to the expectant mother in terms of prevention and treatment.
Can it be prevented?
The precise causes of the development of this defect are unknown, but it is believed that it probably has something to do with a genetic problem. However, any pregnancy should be monitored because all fetuses are at risk for this problem. It is very important that special care is taken during the first month of development, which is why tests have been designed for its timely detection.
Specialists have been able to determine that the consumption of folic acid or vitamin B and other vitamin supplements during pregnancy can contribute to reducing the risk of the fetus developing spina bifida by up to 70%. It is for this reason that pregnant women should take their respective dose of vitamin B daily, this is related to the formation of cells, which contributes to the prevention of birth defects.
Vitamin B, also known as folic acid, can be found in most vitamin supplements that are indicated for pregnant women, especially because of its relationship with the prevention of diseases in the brain and spine. It can also be found in some fruits, cereals, grain products, green leafy vegetables, and some nuts.
