Hi. This is a very stressful time for your friend & for you too since I am sure you are feeling so much for her too...

Spina Bifida is a neural tube defect. There are four types occulta, closed neural tube defects, meningocele, and myelomeningocele. Occulata basically and loosely means hidden. The meningocele and myelomeningocele being more severe. Anencephaly is also a neural tube defect that is incompatible with life. I know sadly there are some parents in our Belly Belly community that have dealt with this in their babies.

Spina Bifida is usually detected by ultrasound. Severe neural tube defects are quite readily seen on u/s & it's quite difficult to miss them. Usually a MAFP test is done. This protein is only found in small amounts in our blood so if a fetus has a neural tube defect this will cause a higher than normal reading in the maternal blood. However, it is not diagnostic it is only a screening test. Usually if it is suspected that a baby has a neural tube defect on u/s the MAFP test is done (accurate dating is needed as the levels increase with fetal age). If there is any doubt amniocentesis can be done to test the amniotic fluid for acetylcholinesterase. (excuse me if my spelling is incorrect). If this is positive it is highly indicative of a neural tube defect. If not then it may point to a different fetal defect.

People with spina bifida can lead full lives depending on the severity of their NTD...

I hope your friend has lots of loving support around her as she navigates this difficult road.