Anencephaly is a congenital condition affecting the fetal nervous system, where a baby is born without most of the brain and skull. This disorder is rare and falls under the category of neural tube defects.

Unfortunately, there is currently no treatment for anencephaly. Infants born with this condition typically survive only a few hours or days after birth.

How Does Anencephaly Occur?

Anencephaly develops when the neural tube fails to close properly between the third and fourth week of pregnancy. The neural tube is an embryonic structure that eventually forms the brain and spinal cord.

If the neural tube does not close fully, the brain and spinal cord may be exposed to amniotic fluid, which can damage them. As a result, the fetus lacks both the cerebrum and cerebellum. Additionally, fetuses with anencephaly generally lack a skull, or if one is present, it is incompletely formed.

Causes of Anencephaly

The exact cause of anencephaly remains unknown, but research suggests that this condition affects approximately 1 in every 1,000 pregnancies.

Although the exact cause is unclear, several factors may increase the likelihood of a baby being born with anencephaly:

Genetic Factors

Anencephaly is not directly inherited, but genetic factors are believed to contribute to the increased risk of this disorder.

Studies indicate that a family history of neural tube defects can raise the chances of a baby developing similar conditions, including anencephaly.

Lack of Folic Acid Intake

Folic acid is crucial for the development of the fetus' nervous system, particularly for the formation of the neural tube. A deficiency in folate during pregnancy puts the baby at risk for neural tube defects like anencephaly.

Pregnant women are advised to take at least 400 mcg of folic acid daily before pregnancy, especially when preparing for conception. During pregnancy, the recommended dose is 600 mcg per day. If a woman has had a previous pregnancy with neural tube defects, her doctor may advise an increased dose of 4,000 mcg per day.

Overweight and Obesity

Being overweight or obese during pregnancy can increase the risk of various health issues, including anencephaly. Obesity can interfere with the body’s ability to metabolize folate, which is necessary for proper fetal development. It also heightens the risk of gestational diabetes, which can contribute to birth defects.

Opioid Use

Using opioids during early pregnancy increases the risk of neural tube defects, including anencephaly and spina bifida. Opioids can hinder fetal growth by reducing the oxygen and nutrient supply essential for the fetus’s development.

High Temperatures During Early Pregnancy

High temperatures in early pregnancy can raise the risk of anencephaly in several ways:

• Elevated body temperature may disrupt the neural tube formation, which occurs around the fourth week of pregnancy.

• High temperatures can increase oxidative stress, negatively affecting embryonic development.

• Increased body temperature may also reduce blood flow to the fetus, limiting the oxygen and nutrients needed for healthy growth.

Anencephaly is a severe condition influenced by various risk factors. By gaining a better understanding of its causes and prevention, we can reduce the likelihood of this abnormality occurring. It’s important for pregnant women to stay healthy, consume proper nutrition, and consult their doctor for a safe and healthy pregnancy.

You can also utilize the consultation service on the Ai Care application by downloading it from the App Store or Play Store.

Looking for more information about other diseases? Click here!