What are Neural Tube Defects (NTDs)
NTDs occur when the neural tube does not close properly. The neural tube forms the early brain and spine. These types of birth defects develop very early during pregnancy, often before a woman knows she is pregnant. The two most common NTDs are spina bifida (a spinal cord defect) and anencephaly (a brain defect).
Content provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). For information and references about NTDs, please visit:
Facts about Neural Tube Defects | CDC ā,
What is Spina Bifida? | CDC ā,
Facts about Encephalocele | CDC ā, and
Facts about Anencephaly | CDC ā.
Rates of Neural Tube Defects (NTDs): 2018ā2020ā
Overallā
By Age
ā24 and under
|
10.3
|
ā25ā29
|
7.2
|
ā30ā34
|
6.0
|
ā35ā39
|
6.0
|
ā40 and over
|
6.3
|
āBy Race and Ethnicity
āAmerican Indian/Alaskan Native, Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, Other/Non-Hispanic
|
ā7.7
|
āAsian/Non-Hispanic
|
3.8
|
āBlack/Non-Hispanic
|
3.5
|
āHispanic
|
7.1
|
White/Non-Hispanic
|
3.2
|
*Per 10,000 live birthsā
Data Source: California Birth Defects Monitoring Program Registry, 2018āā2020, California 10-County Catchment Area (Fresno, Kern, Kings, Madera, Merced, Orange, San Diego, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, and Tulare)
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