Neurological conditions claim the lives of thousands of children every year. New treatments in the womb may save them

New treatments for babies with neurological defects are revolutionizing the field of prenatal care. Michelle Johnson's pregnancy was going smoothly until a routine ultrasound revealed that her baby had spina bifida, a condition affecting the spinal cord. Devastated by the news, Johnson was determined to find the best possible treatment for her unborn child. After learning about a pioneering program in California that used stem cells to treat spina bifida in utero, Johnson decided to participate. This groundbreaking treatment, which involved using stem cells from the mother's placenta to repair the spinal cord damage, was a race against time, as it had to be performed before the 26th week of pregnancy. The successful procedure resulted in the birth of a healthy baby boy named Tobias. This innovative approach represents a significant advancement in prenatal care, offering hope to families facing similar challenges. The medical community is optimistic about the potential of these new therapies to transform the landscape of prenatal treatment for neurological conditions, providing a ray of hope for families dealing with such diagnoses.