Abstract

ANENCEPHALY- A NEURAL TUBE DEFECT IN FOLIC ACID DEFICIENT PREGNANT WOMAN

Pathak Meenakshi S.N. and Awadhesh Pandey*

ABSTRACT

Neural tube defects are birth defects that affect the tissue that grows into the spinal cord and brain. Among them Anencephaly is one of the most common neural tube defects found in folic acid deficiency during pregnancy. Anencephaly occurs when the upper part of the neural tube fails to close. Possible causes include environmental toxins and low intake of ‗folic acid‘ by the mother during pregnancy. Having one infant with this condition increases the risk of having another child with neural tube defects. Folic acid is an essential supplement to be advised in pregnancy to prevent such neural tube defects. The preconceptional use of folic acid containing supplements reduces the first occurrence, as well as the recurrence, of neural tube defects. Such deficiency during the first four weeks of gestation can result in structural and developmental problems. Folate intake may need to be sustained after complete closure of the neural tube to decrease the risk of other poor pregnancy outcomes. A central feature of embryonic and fetal development is widespread cell division; folate is central because of its role in nucleic acid synthesis. Folate deficiency can occur because dietary folate intake is low or because the metabolic requirement for folate is increased by a particular genetic defect or defects. Women of populations in which adverse pregnancy outcomes are prevalent often consume diets that contain a low density of vitamins and minerals, including folate.

Keywords: anencephaly, counselling, folic acid, preconceptional, pregnancy.