anencephaly
birth defect
Quick Summary
Anencephaly is a severe birth defect where a major part of the brain, skull, and scalp are missing. This condition arises from the failure of the neural tube to close properly during the first month of embryonic development. It is more common in females, and insufficient folic acid intake during pregnancy is believed to increase the risk.1
Anencephaly can be detected during pregnancy through blood tests and ultrasounds. Infants born with this condition are not expected to survive long after birth.1
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