Question

How to treat a baby diagnosed with hydrocephalus during pregnancy?

Answer

Fetal hydrocephalus is a type of neural tube defect disease that is usually detected through ultrasound during pregnancy. The normal width of a fetus’s lateral ventricle is less than 1.0 cm, and anything over 1.5 cm may indicate congenital hydrocephalus. This condition may result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors, with genetic factors being more prominent. Treatment-wise, if the hydrocephalus is confirmed to be caused by a blockage in the cerebrospinal fluid circulation pathway, surgical treatment can be considered. However, since hydrocephalus may affect both the fetus and the mother, including increasing the risk of obstructive labor and potentially leading to complications such as intellectual disability, vision impairment, and limb paralysis, termination of pregnancy may be considered in some cases. It is recommended to have regular prenatal examinations and follow-ups to detect and address any issues promptly.