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Q. What is a neural tube defect?
A. During the first four weeks of pregnancy, the baby's neural tube is
open and then closes to form the spinal cord and brain. In affected pregnancies,
the neural tube does not close properly resulting in conditions like spina
bifida or anencephaly, and this causes very serious and permanent damage
in the baby. Most women don't even realise they are pregnant during this
first month of pregnancy, when the neural tube is developing into the
brain and spinal cord. Folic acid has been shown to decrease the risk
of a child developing these conditions.
Fig 1:
 Picture
shows a child with spina bifida. Spina bifida occurs when there
is an opening of the spine as the lower end of the neural tube fails
to close. Thus the spinal cord and the backbones do not develop
properly. These babies need to have an operation soon after birth
to close the spine and to prevent further damage. They may need
a spinal drain to prevent a build up of spinal fluid in the brain
called hydrocephalus. Babies with spina bifida lack feeling in their
legs and later develop problems with walking. In addition, these
children can develop problems with their bowel and bladder control.
They may also have learning problems and have some mental retardation.
Fig: 2
 Picture
shows a child with anencephaly. Anencephaly is the partial or complete
absence of the baby's brain due to the upper end of the neural tube
failing to close. This birth defect causes extensive damage to the
foetus, and most of these babies are stillborn or die soon after
birth.
Up to 70 per cent of all neural tube defects could be prevented if every
woman of childbearing age took folic acid daily.
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