It is advisable to go for some tests while pregnant in order to check out for Spina bifida.
- Ultrasound: An ultrasound provides images of an unborn baby’s spinal cord and spine. This can help the doctor to diagnose spina bifida.
- Check for discoloration: Examine your baby to check for discoloration or birth mark around the spine. Some birthmarks are natural. You can ask your doctor to check if it is an indication or the spot of neural tube incompletion, especially if the spine is deformed.
- Check for dimples, lumps and protrusions: If there are lumps or dimples or [protrusions on the spine, it could be a sign of closed neural tube issues. There may also be a malformation of the bone, fat or membranes over the spine.
- Check for clumps of hair along the spine: If there are clumps of hair along the spine, it could be a sign that the backbone did not close the way it should, hence, the tuft of hair at the opening.
