Each year, an estimated 1,500 babies are born with spina bifida in America, making it the nation’s most common permanently disabling birth defect, according to the Spina Bifida Association and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Meaning “split spine” in Latin, spina bifida occurs when the spinal column of a baby developing in the womb fails to close, leaving the spinal cord and nerves partially exposed through an opening in the baby’s back.

Its cause is unknown, but according to the Spina Bifida Association, scientists think genetic and environmental factors act together to bring about the condition.

Of the three forms of the disease—occult spinal dysraphism, spina bifida occulta, meningocele and myelomeningocele—the latter is the most common and serious form.

It is also the only one that can be treated before birth with fetal surgery.

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The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia has performed more than 200 fetal surgeries on babies with myelomeningocele.

According to the hospital, the fetal surgery for myelomeningocele is performed between 19 and 25 weeks gestation and is “one of the most exciting developments in the history of treatment for birth defects.”

Myelomeningocele occurs when the exposed spinal cord and nerves come through the opening in the back, causing nerve damage and other disabilities.

Approximately 70 percent to 90 percent of babies suffering from this defect have too much fluid on their brains, which can result in brain damage.

If left untreated, babies with this disorder can grow to suffer from developmental delays, mobility issues, allergies, depression and digestive issues.

“Fetal surgery for spina bifida is not a cure, but studies show that prenatal repair can offer significantly better results than traditional postnatal repair,” the hospital stated. “Fetal surgery for spina bifida greatly reduces the need to divert fluid from the brain, improves mobility and improves the chances that a child will be able to walk independently.”

Learn more about spina bifida and resources for parents, family and friends.

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