Growing Up After MMC Repair: What MOMS 3 Teaches Us About Young Adult Outcomes

This recorded session features researchers from the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) sharing updates from the MOMS Studies, which follow children born with myelomeningocele (MMC), a form of Spina Bifida. These studies compare outcomes after fetal surgery and postnatal surgery, tracking mobility, brain development, shunt use, daily living skills, and long‑term independence. The original MOMS Study examined fetal vs. postnatal repair. MOMS 2 followed the same children at ages 6–10. Now, MOMS 3 is studying these individuals as teens and young adults to better understand long‑term outcomes and life experiences. In this session, the CHOP team that includes Amy Houtrow, MD, PhD, MPH; Katie M. Schmidt, DNP, CRNP, NNP-BC; and Amber Lauff, MPH: • explains MOMS and MOMS 2 • shares key findings on mobility, independence, and development • discusses the goals of MOMS 3 • outlines how families can participate This video is helpful for anyone interested in Spina Bifida research, MMC outcomes, fetal surgery, pediatric neurosurgery, or long‑term follow‑up in disability studies.