Most cases of spina bifida (myelomeningocele) are detected during routine ultrasound scans that are carried out during your antenatal appointments.
See the Health A-Z topic about Antenatal appointments, plus the Pregnancy care planner: checks and screening tests you may be offered, for more information about your antenatal check-ups.
Spina bifida may be diagnosed during the ultrasound scan that is carried out around week 12 of the pregnancy or, more likely, during the anomaly scan that is carried out around weeks 18 to 20. See the Pregnancy care planner: the anomaly scan for more information.
Ultrasound scans
An ultrasound scan is an entirely safe procedure that uses sound waves to create an image of the inside of your body.
Most hospitals will offer women at least two ultrasound scans during their pregnancy. The first is usually at around 8 to 14 weeks and is sometimes called the dating scan because it can help to determine when the baby is due.
This first scan may be able to detect problems with your baby’s spine that could indicate spina bifida if the condition is severe.
See the Health A-Z topic about Ultrasound scans for more information about the procedure.
Anomaly scan
The anomaly scan is an ultrasound scan that is carried out around weeks 18 to 20 of your pregnancy. This scan aims to identify any physical problems with your baby. It is usually during this scan that spina bifida is diagnosed.
Coping with the results
If tests confirm that your baby has spina bifida, the implications will be fully discussed with you. You will need to consider your options carefully. Your options are to:
- continue with your pregnancy while getting information and advice about spina bifida so that you are prepared for caring for your baby (see Spina bifida - treatment)
- end your pregnancy
If you are considering ending your pregnancy, you should talk to your GP or midwife. They will be able to provide you with important information and advice.
Your options for ending your pregnancy will depend on how many weeks pregnant you are when you make the decision. If you decide to end your pregnancy, you may wish to talk to a counsellor afterwards. Your GP or midwife will be able to arrange this for you.
See the Health A-Z topic about Abortion for more information about ending a pregnancy.
