What is Spina Bifida?
Spina Bifida is the most common permanently disabling birth defect that is associated with life in the United States. It’s a type of neural tube defect (NTD) that occurs when a babies neural tube fails to develop or close properly – the literal meaning for Spina Bifida is “split spine”. Typically occurring within the first 28 days of pregnancy, while the neural tube is forming, Spina Bifida often occurs before a woman knows she is pregnant.
Facts about Spina Bifida
- The international color for spina bifida awareness is YELLOW.
- The official color of the Spina Bifida Association of America is TEAL.
- The awareness month for spina bifida in the United States of America is OCTOBER.
- World Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Day is OCTOBER 25. Learn more.
- The flower that represents spina bifida is the DAISY (from the Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Association of Northern Alberta). Visit their site for rationale.
- The symbol of fetal surgery is the BUTTERFLY, as the fetus is repaired and returned to the womb only to return more beautiful than before.