Unborn babies inside the mother’s womb are very fragile. Whatever is outside of the womb can affect the baby inside. There are studies that show that the environmental factors present outside of the baby’s protective shell will have an impact on the baby while inside and even after it is brought out into this world. The mother should be careful in what she eats and drinks. Even the emotion of the mother while pregnant can have an effect on the baby’s well being. Many conditions may appear if the mother is not giving proper care for herself and the unborn baby.
One of these conditions is anencephaly. A serious condition that affects the life of the baby, this is brought about if there is a defect in the closure of the neural tube in the mother’s body. This neural tube is a narrow channel that folds and closes between the 3rd and 4th weeks of pregnancy to form the brain and spinal cord of the embryo. The defect in closure will then result to an absence of a major portion of the brain, skull and scalp. One of every 1000 pregnancies are affected with anencephaly. Unfortunately because of the seriousness of the condition only a small percentage of the babies will be born alive. This constitutes only 30-33% of the babies born with the condition. And they only live for a few moments to a few days. Only on rare cases do some live up to several months. The babies are born without the front part of the brain and the thinking and coordinating part of the brain with the remaining tissues often exposed, not covered by bone or skin. The babies are also usually blind, deaf and unable to feel pain.
Anencephaly may be caused by nutritional, medical, environmental or genetic factors. A mother’s diet has been said to play a role in the development of the condition. Folic acid deficiency brought about by poor diet, smoking and drinking, is one prevailing factor that help lead to the condition. Some medications can also lead to this deficiency. These are birth control pills, valporic acid and antimetabolic drugs. Being exposed to high temperatures of 102 degrees or higher for more than five hours may also lead to anencephaly. Undiagnosed diabetes, maternal infections and hyperthermia may also be a harmful factor in contributing to the development of the anencephaly.
Folic acid is a necessary element needed for correct neural tube development. So to avoid the risk of having anencephaly, it is very important to keep the level of folic acid in the mother’s body high. The pregnant mother should have a 0.4 milligram dosage of folic acid everyday. For those who are already at risk, a 4 to 5 milligram dosage should be maintained daily for 2 to 3 months before conception. Medications that may lower the folic acid levels should also be avoided. The most important thing is for the mother to have a proper diet. Healthy food should be the food of choice for the pregnant mother. It is also important to note that folic acid is present in many leafy, green vegetables, orange juice, dried beans and peas. Even if just inside of the womb, it is very important to take care of the well being of the baby. To avoid complications that may risk their lives. To avoid conditions like anencephaly.
