Preparing for an appointment

Your doctor will likely suspect or diagnose your baby's condition during your pregnancy. If that's the case, you'll likely consult with a multispecialty team of physicians, surgeons and physical therapists at a center that specializes in spina bifida treatment.

Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment and know what to expect from your health care providers if there are suspicions that your baby may have spina bifida.

What you can do

To prepare for the appointment:

• Be aware of any pre-appointment instructions. At the time you make the appointment, be sure to ask if there's anything you need to do in advance, such as drink extra water before an ultrasound.
• Make a list of all medications, vitamins, herbs and supplements that you took before and during your pregnancy, and the dosages.
• Ask a family member or friend to come with you, if possible. Sometimes it can be difficult to remember all the information provided to you during an appointment. Someone who accompanies you may remember something that you missed or forgot.
• Create a list of questions to ask your doctor, starting with the most important in case time runs out.

For spina bifida, some basic questions to ask include:

• Is spina bifida present and how severe is it?
• Is there evidence of water on the brain (hydrocephalus)?
• Can my baby be treated during pregnancy?
• What will be done for my baby immediately after birth?
• Will the treatment cure my child?
• Will there be any lasting effects?
• Who can I contact to find out about community resources that may be able to help my child?
• What is the likelihood of this happening again in future pregnancies?
• How can I keep this from happening again in the future?
• Are there any brochures or other printed material that I can have? What websites do you recommend?

In addition to the questions that you've prepared, don't hesitate to ask other questions during your appointment.

What to expect from your doctor

Being ready to answer questions from your doctor may reserve time to go over any points you want to focus on. Your doctor may ask, for example:

• Have you ever had a child with spina bifida or other birth defects?
• Is there a family history of spina bifida?
• Did you take folic acid (vitamin B-9) before and during your pregnancy?
• Are you taking any anti-seizure medications, or were you taking them at the beginning of your pregnancy?
• If necessary, are you able to travel to a facility that offers specialized care?