Anencephaly is a type of birth defect characterized by incomplete development of the brain and skull during fetal development. This condition, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), affects approximately three out of every 10,000 pregnancies in the United States. It is a devastating condition that often results in stillbirth, with around 75% of babies diagnosed with anencephaly being stillborn. In rare cases, infants born with anencephaly may survive for a short period, ranging from a few hours to a few days.
Understanding Anencephaly
Anencephaly is a condition categorized as a neural tube defect (NTD). During the development of a baby in the womb, the neural tube forms the basis for the brain, skull, spinal cord, and backbones. The upper part of the neural tube contributes to the formation of the brain and skull, while the lower part contributes to the spinal cord and backbones. However, in the case of anencephaly, the upper part of the neural tube fails to completely close.
As a result, babies with anencephaly are born without the forebrain or cerebrum, which is responsible for vital functions such as controlling motor movements, processing sensory information, and producing language. Furthermore, the affected baby’s brain may also lack proper covering by bone or skin, leaving parts of it exposed.
Frequency of Anencephaly: How Common is it?
Anencephaly, a serious birth defect, occurs relatively infrequently. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it affects about three out of every 10,000 pregnancies each year. This means that in the United States alone, approximately 1,206 unborn babies are affected by this condition annually. It is important to note that many pregnancies involving a neural tube defect, including anencephaly, unfortunately end in miscarriage. Additionally, a significant number of babies affected by anencephaly are stillborn.