Anencephaly (Birth defects & disorders)

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Anencephaly

Anencephaly is a neural tube defect in which the the head end of the neural tube does not close.

Normally, the neural tube will fold and close during the 3rd to 4th week of pregnancy. When it does not close, it causes a large portion of the brain, skull and scalp to be missing.

A fetus that has been diagnosed with anencephaly will be born without a forebain and cerebrum. The cerebrum is the part of the brain that is responsible for thinking and coordination. Usually the brain tissue will not be covered with bone or skin and is exposed at birth.

Most babies that are born with this condition are blind, deaf, unconscious and are not able to sense pain. Researchers think that the mother's diet and vitamin consumption may play a vital role in the cause of the disorder, but there is no exact known cause.

Because there is no treatment for anencephaly, most babies will be stillborn or will die within a few hours or days of birth.

Comments: Anencephaly

Comments 1 to 4 of about 4.

redheadmama - 165 days ago.
I have two friends who have had baby boys with this - one four years ago and one right now. Heartbreaking and tear-jerking. God have mercy.

gsummertime - 387 days ago.
aleahs, I totally think you did the right thing, I think you did the only thing that could have been done. I cant imagine how aweful it must have been, but it was humane, and you should not feel any guilt. God Bless

dolo22 - 394 days ago.
I read your post. I just want you to know that it was not your fault. I was pushed to abort when I was 15 and not for medical reasons. God knows your heart and knows how you feel. He forgives you so please forgive yourself. ((big hugs))

aleahs3tob - 404 days ago.
I don't know if there are any ladies out there that have had a baby with this defect but thought that I would send my love to all of you who have children with birth-defects. I had a baby in 2002 with this condition...it was devastating. We didn't find out till I was 16 weeks along. My doctor told we I needed to terminate. I was very young (19) and didn't understand all of the things that were happening. It was a hard decision (one I felt wasn't fair that I had to make) but we opted to have a medical termination. I still feel like it was wrong. They told me it was for my healthy as I already and an extream excessive amout of amniotic fluild and that the level of her defect was very servere (she would probably die in utero or immediatley after birth). At first a wanted to carry her to term and donate the organs but they don't permit that because these babies almost always have other defects. I hope that you don't judge me for what I did. I was so hard on me. I still carry guilt around from this. She was delivered at 23 weeks, she was missing the top part of her skull and very under-developed. My prayers are with all of you because every mother-no matter what deserves a healthy child.

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Forum & Info: Birth defects & disorders

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