Can spina bifida be diagnosed during pregnancy?
Spina bifida can be diagnosed in the fetus. It is important to note that the condition is not always diagnosed in the fetus. The test used to diagnose the condition include:
- A blood test: Taken during the 16th to 18th week of pregnancy, this screening tests the amount of AFP (alpha-fetoprotein) in the blood. The amount is higher in about 75% to 80% in women who carry a fetus with spina bifida.
- Amniocentesis: Fluid from the uterus is removed through a tube to test for protein levels.
- An ultrasound (sonogram): Problems with the fetus’s spine may be spotted through imaging.