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Anencephaly - Prevention

Alternative Names

Aprosencephaly with open cranium

Prevention:

It is important for women who may become pregnant to get enough folic acid.

There is good evidence that folic acid can help reduce the risk of certain birth defects, including anencephaly. Women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should take a multivitamin with folic acid every day. Many foods are now fortified with folic acid to help prevent these kinds of birth defects.

Getting enough folic acid can reduce the chance of neural tube defects by 50 percent.

For specific recommendations, see folic acid (folate).

Ultrasound, normal fetus - ventricles of brain

Reviewed last on: 7/26/2007
Daniel Rauch, M.D., FAAP., Director, Pediatric Hospitalist Program, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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Anencephaly - Prevention

Alternative Names

Prevention: