Q00: Anencephaly and similar malformations

Anencephaly and similar malformations are serious birth defects that fall under the category of neural tube defects. They typically occur in the first few weeks of pregnancy, often before a woman knows she is pregnant. These conditions result from the infant's brain and spinal cord not developing correctly. Specifically, anencephaly is a condition where a significant portion of the brain, skull, and scalp are missing. Babies with these malformations will experience a range of complications, and most unfortunately do not survive long after birth. While the exact causes are not fully known, it is believed that both genetic and environmental factors, such as lack of sufficient folic acid intake during pregnancy, could contribute to their development. As such, these conditions are not contagious in any way. Symptoms can usually only be detected during pregnancy through specific prenatal tests, as babies with these conditions are typically born without certain vital physical structures.