The cost of raising a child with Spina Bifida, a birth defect that affects the spinal cord, poses a serious question to the parent(s). Will I be able to provide, and pay for all of my child's special needs? Prenatal care including tests, ultra sounds, surgeries for the birth, and repair of the cyst on the infants spinal cord, along with placing a shunting device in the infants head are costs incurred before the baby is brought home. Health problems, learning disabilities, physical therapy, paralysis and regular visits to specialists, are more problems a child with special needs must further endure, adding additional financial strain to the parent. The monumental costs to raising a child with special needs progressively increase every year as the child grows; however, cost should not be the key factor in determining whether or not a parent can rear a child.

A fetus diagnosed with Spina Bifida, while still in the mother's womb, is considered a high-risk pregnancy. A blood test is given to the mother to determine the amount of protein called AFP in her bloodstream. High amounts of this protein will turn out a positive screening test, which usually means there is a defect in

The routine of purchasing clothes, shoes, food, transportation, and housing are compounded, when issues relating to learning disabilities, paralysis, and physical therapy are added to the cost of raising a child. The child will need to see numerous physicians for follow up care for all of the potential areas defected. Learning disabilities, bladder incontinence, and paralysis are the most common problems with Spina Bifida. Depending on how much damage occurs to the spinal cord, will determine the areas needed to be treated. Common, are regular visits to the pediatrician. They are mandatory for shots, and recording the growth of the child, but there will be visits to specialists, doctor's who specialize in specific areas of the body, every six months to exam the special needs of the child. In many instances these visits with various physicians are held in Spina Bifida clinics for convenience to the parent. The cost of treating the child never decreases, because as the child grows, so does the cost.

If the defect is not found during the blood testing process, then it is usually found through an ultrasound, an instrument used to view the fetus, by taking pictures inside the womb. These pictures are usually taken during the twentieth week of the pregnancy, followed by several more (at least two) as the pregnancy progresses before the actual birth. These photos can determine brain abnormalities, the amount of damage to

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