California BIRTH Defects Monitoring

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 , What is Spina Bifida? | CDC , Facts about Encephalocele | CDC , and Facts about Anencephaly | CDC .

Rates of Neural Tube Defects (NTDs): 2018–2020

Overall

Rates of NTDs	Prevalence Rate*
All Deliveries	7.2

By Age

Mother’s Age (Years)	Prevalence Rate*
24 and under	10.3
25–29	7.2
30–34	6.0
35–39	6.0
40 and over	6.3

By Race and Ethnicity

Mother’s Race and Ethnicity	Prevalence Rate*
American Indian/Alaskan Native, Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, Other/Non-Hispanic	7.7
Asian/Non-Hispanic	3.8
Black/Non-Hispanic	3.5
Hispanic	7.1
White/Non-Hispanic	3.2

*Per 10,000 live births

Data Source: California Birth Defects Monitoring Program Registry, 2018–2020, California 10-County Catchment Area (Fresno, Kern, Kings, Madera, Merced, Orange, San Diego, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, and Tulare)

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