*ANENCEPHALY* It happens very early in pregnancy often before many women even realize they are pregnant. During normal development, the baby’s neural tube closes and forms the brain and spinal cord. But in anencephaly, that tube fails to close properly. As a result, major parts of the brain, skull, and scalp do not fully develop. Most babies with anencephaly are either stillborn or survive only for a few hours or days after birth. Many of these babies can still have a heartbeat, move, or respond to touch after delivery. But the parts of the brain needed for awareness, thinking, and long-term survival are severely absent. Low folic acid intake during early pregnancy is known to increase the risk. That’s why folic acid supplementation before and during pregnancy is strongly encouraged. Anencephaly reminds us how incredibly delicate human development truly is. A tiny error in early formation can completely change a life before it even begins. FOLLOW Share and REACT
