Understanding Anencephaly: Causes, Risks, and Choices

Anencephaly – A Neural Tube Defect Anencephaly is a severe, lethal congenital anomaly where most of the brain and skull vault fail to develop. The cerebral hemispheres and overlying skull bones are absent, leaving only the brainstem and rudimentary neural tissue exposed. Key facts every nurse/midwife must know: - Occurs in ~1:1000 pregnancies in most populations (higher where folic acid fortification is low) - Diagnosed by antenatal ultrasound as early as 11–14 weeks (“frog-eye” sign, no calvari

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“Today we received a difficult diagnosis: anencephaly. What is Anencephaly? Anencephaly is a serious birth defect in which a baby is born without parts of the brain and skull. It happens during early development in pregnancy, usually in the first 3–4 weeks. ⸻ Causes & Risk Factors: • Caused by a failure of the neural tube to close properly. • Exact cause is often unknown, but risk factors can include: • Low folic acid intake before/during early pregnancy • Genetic factors • Environmental exposur