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Spina Bifida
What is Spina Bifida?
Spina Bifida occurs within the first four weeks of pregnancy before many women are even aware they are pregnant. For some unexplained reason, the central nervous system of the developing baby fails to form normally at some point along its length, anywhere from the brain to the end of the spinal canal. Spina bifida actually means "split spine". The bones surrounding the developing spinal cord do not close as they normally would. Instead, they remain open, leaving a bubble-like deformity on the child's spine. This results in varying degress of permanent damage to the spinal column and the nervous system.
For More Information
Visit the March of Dimes and the Spina Bifida Association of America.
Also, check out our medical dictionary.