Pregnancy and Kyphosis
Kyphosis is characterized by spine curvature that results in a bowing of the back, causing a slouching posture or hunchback. It can be caused by developmental, degenerative or traumatic conditions. Kyphosis may appear during development as a result of certain birth defects such as spina bifida.
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Symptoms
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People with kyphosis may experience back pain, spinal tenderness and stiffness, fatigue and difficulty breathing. The back generally has a rounded appearance.
Causes
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Although kyphosis at birth is rare, the deformity may arise during development due to birth defects such as myelomeningocele, a type of spina bifida. In adults, kyphosis can be caused by various conditions, including osteoporosis, arthritis, infection, polio and tumors.
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Spina Bifida
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Spina bifida is a birth defect that occurs when the vertebrae do not form properly around the spinal cord. According to the National Institutes of Health, environmental, viral and nutritional factors may play a role in spina bifida.
Diagnosis During Pregnancy
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In the second trimester, pregnant women can undergo a blood test called quadruple screening that checks for spina bifida and other congenital diseases. Ultrasound or amniocentesis, the testing of amniotic fluid, may be performed to confirm diagnosis.
Treatment
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According to the National Institutes of Health, when severe spina bifida is detected early in the pregnancy, genetic counseling is recommended and therapeutic abortion may be considered. After birth, surgery is usually performed to correct the problem. Special care must be taken with infants who have spina bifida to avoid injury to the exposed spinal cord.
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