What is a primary benefit of being prepared for cesarean birth in this context?

• A. Reduces trauma to exposed nerve
• B. Guarantees perfect back closure without surgery
• C. Eliminates risk of meningitis
• D. Prevents spina bifida

Answer: (A)

The main idea is protecting exposed neural tissue during birth. In myelomeningocele, the spinal cord and meninges protrude through a defect and are exposed to pressure, handling, and potential rupture during labor. A planned cesarean birth helps minimize mechanical stress on the lesion, reducing the risk of tearing or damaged neural tissue and lowering infection chances from sac rupture. This is why protection of the exposed nerve is the primary benefit.

Cesarean birth does not guarantee a perfect back closure without further surgery, since surgical repair of the defect is still needed after birth. It also does not eliminate the risk of meningitis, as infections can occur despite careful delivery. And it does not prevent spina bifida itself, since the defect arises from fetal development and is not cured by the delivery method.