When can spina bifida usually be seen on ultrasound?

Many open neural tube defects are assessed during the 18 to 22 week anomaly scan. Earlier clues may sometimes arise during first trimester or second trimester screening, but detailed assessment usually requires a targeted anomaly scan and neurosonography.

Does a high AFP result confirm spina bifida?

No. A high AFP result is a screening clue, not a final diagnosis. It should be interpreted with gestational age, ultrasound findings and clinical context. A detailed fetal scan is usually needed to evaluate the fetal spine and brain.

What does Dr. Kunda Shahane evaluate during a neural tube defect scan?

The scan evaluates the fetal spine, skin covering, possible lesion level, brain signs such as ventriculomegaly and posterior fossa changes, limb movement, feet position, amniotic fluid and other associated structural findings.

Is fetal neurosonography needed if spina bifida is suspected?

Often yes. Fetal neurosonography helps evaluate the fetal brain in more detail, including ventricles, posterior fossa, cerebellum and other findings that may accompany open neural tube defects.

Spina Bifida Scan in Nagpur | Neural Tube Defect Scan

Q: Is amniocentesis always required?

Not always. Amniocentesis may be discussed if there are additional anomalies, genetic concerns or diagnostic uncertainty. The decision depends on the complete scan findings and counselling.

Q: Can ultrasound predict the baby's future function fully?

Ultrasound can provide important information about anatomy, lesion level, movement and associated findings, but it cannot fully predict long-term neurological, bladder, bowel or mobility outcomes. Counselling is individualised.

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What it means

What is spina bifida?

Spina bifida is a type of neural tube defect in which part of the fetal spine and surrounding structures do not close or form normally. Some cases are open neural tube defects, where there may be changes in the spine and associated changes in the fetal brain.

In pregnancy, the goal is not just to “see the spine”. The goal is to understand the level of the finding, the brain signs, limb movement, associated anomalies, genetic risk and what kind of counselling or referral may be needed.

When this page is useful

Raised AFP or high-risk neural tube defect screening result
Spine abnormality suspected on anomaly scan
Ventriculomegaly or posterior fossa abnormality seen
Family history or previous pregnancy with neural tube defect
Need for specialist fetal brain and spine counselling

Main scan Targeted anomaly scan

Detailed add-on Fetal neurosonography

Common timing 18–22 weeks

Next steps Counselling + referral planning

When to consider specialist review

Who needs a spina bifida / neural tube defect scan?

A specialist fetal medicine review is helpful when screening, ultrasound or history suggests a possible fetal spine or brain concern.

AFP

Raised AFP screening

Raised maternal serum AFP can be a clue for open neural tube defects, but it needs ultrasound correlation before conclusions are made.

USG

Suspicious anomaly scan

If the routine anomaly scan suggests a spine opening, abnormal vertebrae, sac-like swelling or abnormal cranial signs, detailed review is needed.

Brain signs on ultrasound

Ventriculomegaly, posterior fossa changes, abnormal cerebellar shape or other brain findings may need fetal neurosonography.

Previous affected pregnancy

A previous pregnancy affected by neural tube defect may need early counselling, planned screening and detailed fetal anatomy assessment.

Maternal risk factors

Some maternal medical conditions or medicines may increase risk. The pregnancy should be assessed individually with the treating obstetrician.

2°

Second opinion

Many families come for a calm second opinion after being told that the baby may have a spine or brain abnormality.

Showpiece assessment table

What Dr. Kunda evaluates during the scan

In suspected neural tube defect, the scan is systematic. The spine, brain, limbs and the rest of the fetal anatomy are evaluated together so that counselling is based on the complete picture.

Area assessed	What is checked	Why it matters
Fetal spine	Alignment, vertebral arches, skin covering, sac-like swelling, level of suspected defect.	Lesion levelOpen vs covered Helps understand the anatomical extent of the finding.
Spinal lesion level	Whether the suspected defect appears higher or lower on the spine.	Lesion level is one of the factors used during counselling, though ultrasound cannot predict function fully.
Fetal brain ventricles	Size of lateral ventricles, symmetry and progression over time if follow-up is needed.	Ventriculomegaly may influence counselling and delivery planning.
Posterior fossa	Cerebellum, cisterna magna and indirect signs associated with open spina bifida.	Brain signs can support the diagnosis and guide fetal neurosonography.
Lower limb movement	Leg posture, spontaneous movement and feet position during the scan.	Movement is important to document, but it does not fully predict long-term mobility.
Feet and skeletal posture	Clubfoot, fixed posture or limb position changes if visible.	Associated limb findings can help multidisciplinary counselling.
Complete anomaly review	Heart, kidneys, abdomen, face, limbs, placenta and amniotic fluid.	Determines whether the finding appears isolated or associated with other abnormalities.
Pregnancy context	Gestational age, previous reports, AFP/NIPT/genetic test results and obstetric history.	Reports are interpreted in context, not in isolation.

Clear pathway after suspicion

What happens if spina bifida is suspected?

Families need clarity, not panic. At Mayflower Clinic, the approach is step-by-step, medically honest and compassionate.

Review previous reports

Dr. Kunda reviews the anomaly scan, AFP report, NIPT/genetic results if available, and obstetric history before scanning.

Targeted fetal spine and anatomy scan

The fetal spine is examined in multiple planes along with the rest of the fetal anatomy to look for associated findings.

Fetal neurosonography

If needed, a detailed brain scan evaluates ventricles, posterior fossa, cerebellum and other brain structures.

Counselling and options

The family is counselled about the scan findings, limitations, possible genetic testing, follow-up and referral needs.

Referral and delivery planning

When appropriate, referral coordination with neurosurgery, neonatology, paediatric neurology or fetal surgery centres may be discussed.

Technology + expertise

GE Voluson Signature Expert for fetal brain and spine imaging

Mayflower Clinic uses the GE Voluson Signature Expert, an AI-enabled fetal ultrasound platform that supports systematic fetal anatomy assessment, advanced imaging, colour Doppler and 3D/4D tools. The technology helps with visualisation and workflow, while interpretation remains doctor-led.

High-resolution imaging Helps visualise fetal spine, skull, brain and associated anatomy.

SonoLyst AI Supports systematic capture of standard fetal anatomy views.

3D / 4D tools Useful in selected structural assessments where surface or spatial detail helps.

Doctor-led judgement Reports are interpreted by Dr. Kunda Shahane in clinical context.

Patient preparation

Before, during and after the scan

Before your visit

Bring all previous ultrasound reports.
Bring AFP, NIPT, dual/quad marker or genetic reports if available.
Carry referral note from your obstetrician if provided.
Note your last menstrual period and expected delivery date.

During the scan

The scan may take longer than a routine scan.
Fetal position may affect views.
Repeat views may be needed for spine and brain assessment.
Dr. Kunda may explain key findings after completing the scan.

After the scan

You receive a written report.
Follow-up scan may be advised if needed.
Genetic counselling may be recommended in selected cases.
Referral planning may be discussed for delivery or neonatal care.

Important: a scan gives anatomy, not the whole future

Ultrasound can describe fetal anatomy and many associated findings. But it cannot fully predict long-term neurological function, bladder or bowel control, walking ability, learning outcome or every postnatal need. This is why counselling is individualised.

Can fetal surgery be discussed?

Fetal surgery for selected open spina bifida cases is available only at specialised centres and is not suitable for every pregnancy. Mayflower Clinic can help with diagnosis, counselling and referral coordination where appropriate.

Parents ask these often

FAQs about spina bifida scan in pregnancy

What is spina bifida in pregnancy?

Spina bifida is a neural tube defect in which part of the fetal spine and surrounding structures do not form normally. Some cases are open defects and may be associated with changes in the fetal brain.

When can spina bifida usually be detected on ultrasound?

Many open neural tube defects are assessed during the 18–22 week anomaly scan. Earlier clues may sometimes be seen, but detailed assessment usually needs a targeted fetal scan and sometimes fetal neurosonography.

Does raised AFP confirm spina bifida?

No. Raised AFP is a screening clue, not a final diagnosis. It should be interpreted with gestational age, ultrasound findings and the full clinical picture.

Why is fetal neurosonography needed?

Open neural tube defects may be associated with fetal brain findings such as ventriculomegaly or posterior fossa changes. Fetal neurosonography gives a more detailed brain assessment than a routine scan.

Will the scan tell how the baby will function after birth?

The scan can document anatomy, approximate level, limb movement and associated findings, but it cannot fully predict long-term mobility, bladder function, bowel function or neurological development.

Is amniocentesis needed in suspected spina bifida?

Not in every case. Amniocentesis may be discussed if there are additional anomalies, genetic concerns or diagnostic uncertainty. The decision is individualised after counselling.

Can spina bifida be treated before birth?

Fetal surgery is possible only for selected open spina bifida cases at specialised centres. Suitability depends on many maternal, fetal and gestational factors. Mayflower Clinic can guide referral discussion when appropriate.

Does folic acid prevent all neural tube defects?

Folic acid taken before conception and in early pregnancy reduces the risk of neural tube defects, but it does not prevent every case. Dose and timing should be discussed with the treating doctor, especially after a previously affected pregnancy.

Can a normal scan guarantee that there is no problem?

No scan can guarantee the complete absence of all abnormalities. A detailed scan significantly improves assessment, but ultrasound has limitations related to fetal position, gestational age, maternal factors and the nature of the condition.

“When a fetal spine abnormality is suspected, parents often arrive frightened by a single word in a report. My role is to slow the process down, examine the baby carefully, explain what is known, what is uncertain, and what the next responsible step should be.”

— Dr. Kunda Shahane, MBBS, MS (Obs & Gynae), FIFM, FMF (London)

Connected services

Related pages for fetal brain, spine and diagnosis

This condition page should link naturally into the existing scan and counselling ecosystem.

Need a specialist review for suspected spina bifida or neural tube defect?

Book a fetal medicine consultation with Dr. Kunda Shahane at Mayflower Fetal Medicine & High-Risk Pregnancy Centre, Dhantoli, Nagpur.

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Medical Disclaimer: This page is for general patient education only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult Dr. Kunda Shahane or your treating obstetrician for advice specific to your pregnancy. Ultrasound has limitations, and all decisions must be made after individual clinical evaluation.

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Spina Bifida / Neural Tube Defect Scan in Nagpur