Spina Bifida Association of Oregon, Support Group

Making a difference one person at a time!

About Spina Bifida

Spina Bifida is a neural tube defect that occurs in the first month of pregnancy when the spinal column does not close completely.

Scientists believe that genetic and environmental factors may act together to cause Spina Bifida.

Studies have shown the risk of Spina Bifida can be reduced significantly by taking 400 micrograms of folic acid daily before pregnancy.

Each day in the United States, an average of eight babies are born with Spina Bifida or a similar defect of the brain and spine.

An estimated 70,000 to 130,000 people in the United States currently live with Spina Bifida.

Hispanic mothers are one-and-a-half to two times more likely to give birth to a child with Spina Bifida than non-Hispanic Caucasians.