Maternity care of a woman with spina bifida.

With the increased advancements of corrective surgery for babies with spina bifida, more women these days affected by spina bifida are reaching child bearing age and having children of their own. This poses both obstetric an medical challenges to ensure the safe care of both the mother and child. This case study explores the healthcare needs of the woman with spina bifida and the medical and obstetric challenges that are posed, particularly in the antenatal period. It examines the role of the midwife in providing holistic co-ordinated care to ensure that the outcome is both positive and empowering.