Question
During the recent hospital check-up, it was found that the fetus has a brain neural malformation. What specific condition does this neural tube defect represent?
Answer
The fetus’s neural tube defect is a severe congenital malformation of the brain and spinal cord, primarily manifested as anencephaly, meningomyelocele, and craniospinal dysraphism. This condition may be caused by environmental or genetic factors, such as folic acid deficiency. Once diagnosed, you should terminate the pregnancy at the hospital as soon as possible and should not continue with the pregnancy. Both partners should undergo genetic testing before the next pregnancy.