Question
A child at seven months pregnant has been found to have hydrocephalus. Ask whether this condition will harm the child and what assistance can be obtained.
Answer
In response to the diagnosis of hydrocephalus in a child, the possible causes are explained, including genetic factors, viral infections, or nutritional deficiencies. It is suggested to conduct further detailed examinations to determine the cause and monitor the child’s condition. If the hydrocephalus persists and worsens, it may be necessary to consider terminating the pregnancy. Additionally, the potential impact of hydrocephalus on the child’s intelligence is discussed, as well as the possibility of postpartum surgery for repair, although the outcome does not guarantee a full recovery of normal intelligence. Furthermore, the role of folic acid in preventing neural tube defects is mentioned, and it is recommended to start taking folic acid several months before planning another pregnancy to reduce the risk of neural tube defects.