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What is an Anencephaly
- Anencephaly is a birth defect that happens while your baby is developing during pregnancy.
- Anencephaly causes your baby to be missing parts of the brain, scalp, and skull when he or she is born.
- Anencephaly is a very serious type of neural tube defect (NTD). Most babies born with anencephaly only live for a short amount of time.
What are the causes?
The cause is not known.
What increases the risk?
Risk factors include:
- Lack of folic acid in the diet of the mother.
- Ethnicity. Anencephaly is more common in children who are born to Hispanic mothers.
- Having previously given birth to a child with anencephaly or any other NTDs.
What are the signs or symptoms of Anencephaly?
The main symptom of anencephaly is missing a part of the brain or skull. Your baby may also be:
- Unable
to:
- Hear.
- See.
- Feel pain.
- Unconscious.
How is this diagnosed?
Anencephaly is usually diagnosed during pregnancy. A diagnosis may be made by:
- Ultrasound.
- Blood tests.
How is this treated?
There is no cure or treatment for this disorder. Treatment will focus on making your baby as comfortable as possible.
How is this prevented?
Talk to your health care provider about how much folic acid you should be taking before and during pregnancy.
