SPINA BIFIDA ASSOCIATION OF 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 –*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: – SPINA BIFIDA ASSOCIATION OF [NAME OF LOCAL SBA]

Questions? SPINA BIFIDA ASSOCIATION OF [NAME OF LOCAL SBA]