Meningocele is a protrusion of the membrane that covers the spine and parts of the spinal cord. This disease is usually characterized by a lump on the baby's back. Meningocele is caused by abnormalities in the formation of the spinal cord and nervous tissue of the fetus in the womb.
Meningocele is part of the disease due to disruption of the formation of the neural tube in the fetus or spina bifida. Meningocele sacs or cysts arise through gaps in the spine.
This bulge is partially filled with spinal cord and spinal fluid. In addition to affecting the appearance of the baby's spine, meningocele can also affect the nerves around it.
Early detection of meningocele can be done before the baby is born. When the gestational age enters 15-20 weeks, the doctor can perform an ultrasound examination to monitor the development of the fetus and detect whether there are abnormalities in the formation of the neural tube.
For more accurate results, the doctor can perform a genetic examination by taking a sample of amniotic fluid to see if there are congenital abnormalities in the fetus.
How to get rid of meningocele
Once a baby is diagnosed with meningocele, it is likely that the doctor will schedule surgery as soon as possible. Early surgery can prevent infection, swelling, and further damage to the baby's spinal cord.
However, if the spinal cord is deformed or damaged, surgery may not be able to repair it.
Meningocele treatment surgery is done by making an incision in the sac or cyst that appears to drain the fluid in it. During the surgery, the baby is under anesthesia or general anesthesia to fall asleep and not experience pain.
Treatment After Meningocele Surgery
After the surgery is complete, the baby will be given antibiotics by the doctor to prevent infection. In addition, the baby also has to be hospitalized for about 2 weeks after he finishes having meningocele surgery.
During the baby's recovery period, the doctor will likely perform several investigations, such as blood tests and an MRI or ultrasound, to ensure that the surgical wound has healed and monitor for fluid buildup in the baby's head or hydrocephalus.
In addition, other risks that can arise after meningocele surgery are infection or inflammation of the spinal cord, as well as nerve disorders, such as weakness to muscle paralysis.
Therefore, meningocele needs to be treated from the start with surgery so that the baby does not get more severe health problems.
Meningocele and Folic Acid
The risk of your little one suffering from meningocele and neural tube defects or spina bifida can be reduced and even prevented if pregnant women consume enough folic acid during pregnancy.
Pregnant women are advised to start taking folic acid supplements of about 400–600 micrograms daily, at least 1 month before becoming pregnant. Folic acid should also be consumed during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.
To meet the needs of folic acid, pregnant women can consume foods that contain folic acid, including:
- Vegetables, such as asparagus, spinach, broccoli, and potatoes
- Fruits, such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, and avocados
- Grains, for example oatmeal and whole wheat bread
- Fish
- Egg
- Legumes, such as soybeans and kidney beans
Folic acid is a water-soluble nutrient. So, if you want to get optimal folic acid content, it is recommended to steam (not boil) foods that contain folic acid.
However, do not overcook the food because it can remove the folic acid in it.
Apart from food, folic acid can also be obtained through pregnancy supplements prescribed by a doctor.
To avoid the occurrence of meningocele, pregnant women are also advised to routinely check their pregnancy to the obstetrician. Also ask what other risk factors can increase the occurrence of meningocele in babies so that preventive steps can be taken.
