Anencephaly: Frequently Asked Questions

Anencephaly occurs when the brain and skull bones do not form right. When this happens, part or all of the brain and skull bones might be missing. Babies with this defect die before birth (miscarriage) or shortly after birth.

Defect where part of the brain does not develop. It sometimes also pertains to parts of the skull not developing normally. 50

Anencephaly is a fatal condition in which the upper end of the neural tube fails to close. In these cases, the brain either never completely develops or is totally absent. Pregnancies affected by anencephaly often result in miscarriages. Infants who are born alive die very soonafter birth.

Defect where part of the brain does not develop. It sometimes also pertains to parts of the skull not developing normally. 80

It is still not known what causes anencephaly. It is probably triggered by a combination of genetic and environmental factors (Sadler 2005). We nevertheless know that taking Folic Acid can prevent anencephaly. Some medicines (the pill, valproic acid, antimetabolic drugs and others) lower Folic Acid levels, hence taking them increases the risk of giving birth to a child with anencephaly (Sadler, 2005). ...

For some time now, the aetiology of Neural Tube Defects has cited diet and environmental factors. Clinical studies have confirmed that taking a vitamin called Folic Acid reduces the risk of developing a Neural Tube Defect. If all women of child-bearing age took 0.4 mgs of Folic Acid every day before conception and at least until the end of the first term of pregnancy, 50 to 70% of potential cases of anencephaly and Spina Bifida could be prevented (Ceizel and Dudas, 1992). ...

Spina bifida and anencephaly are birth defects that occur in the first four weeks of pregnancy, before most women know that they are pregnant. Because about half of all pregnancies are unplanned, it is important to include 400 micrograms of folic acid in every childbearing age woman’s diet. Spina bifida occurs when the lower end of the neural tube fails to close. Thus, the spinal cord and back bones do not develop properly. ...

Spina bifida and anencephaly are two major NTD (Neural Tube Defect) birth defects that occur during the fourth and the sixth week of pregnancy, before most women know that they are pregnant. Spina bifida is a disorder where the lower end of the neural tube fails to close. As a result of which, the spinal cord and back bones do not develop properly. At times, a sac of fluid is observed to protrude through an opening in the back. Often this can be observed as a node protruding outside on the lower portion of backbone. ...

Occurrence: Approximately one child for every 1000 births (Central Europe). This rate varies according to populations. (Sadler, T.W. 2005) Children most affected: Anencephaly affects more girls than it does boys.

Neural tube defects are birth defects that affect the brain (anencephaly) and/or spinal cord (spina bifida). NTDs occur when the tissues that form the brain and spinal cord, fail to develop properly. These defects occur in the first four weeks after conception - usually before a woman even knows she's pregnant.

An experienced specialist using a high-resolution ultrasound scan can detect an anencephaly as early as the 10th week. In less-than-ideal circumstances, however, an anencephaly cannot be picked up or ruled out by an ultrasound scan until the 16th week of the pregnancy. AFP levels can be measured via a maternal serum screening test (blood test). If levels are high, there is a risk that the child may be suffering from an NTD. ...

An experienced specialist using a high-resolution ultrasound scan can detect an anencephaly as early as the 10th week. In less-than-ideal circumstances, however, an anencephaly cannot be picked up or ruled out by an ultrasound scan until the 16th week of the pregnancy. AFP levels can be measured via a maternal serum screening test (blood test). If levels are high, there is a risk that the child may be suffering from an NTD . ...

About 3,000 pregnancies in the are affected by spina bifida or anencephaly each year. Many of these defects could be prevented if all women got enough of the B vitamin folic acid every day starting before a pregnancy occurs.