NEURAL TUBE DEFECTS--ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW

Neural tube defects (NTDs) are serious birth defects with symptoms that range from mild to severe impairment. They are caused by incomplete development of the brain, spinal cord and/or their protective coverings. This occurs when the fetus' spine fails to close properly during the early stages of pregnancy.

Types of neural tube defects:

• Anencephaly
• Encephalocele
• Spina Bifida

The Spina Bifida Association of America (SBAA) says spina bifida is the most common NTD. Some other types of NTDs include anencephaly and encephaloceles.