Answer
Deficiency of Vitamin B9 in a pregnant woman may result in several fetal defects collectively called spina bifida cystica. Vitamin B9 usually goes by the name of folic acid; in addition to its role in ensuring proper vertebral and neurological development, it is also a factor in erythrocyte (RBC) production, and in DNA synthesis.
Work Step by Step
If a pregnant woman is deficient in Vitamin B9, her fetus may suffer from fetal defects collectively called spina bifida cystica. These defects occur because vertebrae L5-S1 do not develop properly; the result is a hole in the spinal column through which parts of the spinal cod may push out. This condition presents as a small sac or cyst which contains cerebrospinal fluid(CSF), and may or may not include parts of the meninges, and neural tissue of the spinal cord. If meningeal tissue is included in the cyst, the condition is called spina bifida meningocele; if nervous tissue is included, then the condition is labeled spina bifida meningomyelocele.
Infants with spina bifida may be totally or partially paralyzed. They may suffer loss of bladder or bowel control, and may show areflexia.
