US toddler born with spina bifida defies doctors by learning how to WALK

A toddler born with spina bifida who underwent spinal surgery while still inside her mum's womb has defied the odds and is now learning to walk.

Lacey Grace Bower's parents, Michelle and Michael Bower were urged to terminate her pregnancy when they received her diagnosis after her 20-week scan.

But they ignored the advice and the youngster is already defying her prognosis at just 19 months old - even learning to manoeuvre a custom tiny wheelchair.

Michelle, 37, from West Lafayette, Indiana, said: “We met with the doctor right after the scan and heard the words ‘neural tube defect’, ‘lemon-shaped head’ and ‘spina bifida’ to describe our daughter for the first time.

“We were at a complete and total loss. The tears didn’t stop flowing for a couple of days.”

After trying for about two years to start a family, Michelle found out she was pregnant with Lacey on December 5, 2019, just before she left for a birthday party.

“I took a test to determine whether or not I could have a few cocktails at the party,” she said.

“Michael lifted me up in a hug and spun me around. We were beyond thrilled!”

But almost four months later, at her 20-week ultrasound scan, the happy couple received some devastating news.