Doc how to prevent baby from hydrocephalus during...

How to prevent fetus from hydrocephalus:
Hydrocephalus happens when fluid builds up in the skull leading to swelling in the brain. Causes include: premature delivery, rubella infection or genetic abnormality. Defeciency of folic acid also causes neurological defects (Neural tube defects) which in turn leads to hydrocephalus. Taking at least 0.4 mg of folic acid 3 months before conception and 1st 3 months during pregnancy decreases chances of fetal hydrocephalus by 70%.

 

 

How is it diagnosed:
Diagnosis depends on past medical history and clinical examination. Doing periodic ultrasound on uterus to exclude any congenital anomalies is a must (hydrocephalus can be spotted by ultrasound between 15-35 weeks of gestation). Fetal MRI can confirm the existance of fetal hydrocephalus.

 

 

Advice:
Seek a gynecologist.