Fetuses with myelomeningocele are more likely than other babies to be in a breech (feet- first) position” (March of Dimes, 2009) and a cesarean delivery is generally recommended. Researchers have also determined that caesarean section is the best way to deliver a normally presented (head down) spina bifida baby to lessen the stress on the child.
If it is determined that the child has spina bifida occulta, no further treatment is usually required. However, if the child has spina bifida myelomeningocele, surgery will be performed within 24-48 hours after birth in order to correct the protruding nerves and tissues. A shunt to drain cerebrospinal fluid may also be inserted at the same time. Ongoing specialist care is usually required to assist children who have problems resulting from nerve damage (Mayo Clinic, 2011g).
It is estimated that every baby born with spina bifida will have an average lifetime medical cost of $635,000 (Case and Canfield, 2009).