Our Young Warrior ~ Evan Matthew

* Daddy, Mommy, Iley and Evan*

About Anencephaly

To be told that your baby has anencephaly is heartbreaking and shocking. Following is an explanation of anencephaly from the website: http://www.anencephalie-info.org/. I recommend this website for anyone who is looking for additional information regarding anencephaly. There are amazing, beautiful stories about many strong women, their families and their children with anencephaly on this site as well.
Anencephaly is a congenital birth defect. It occurs between the 20th and 28th days after conception. The occurrence rate is approximately 1 in 1,000. A baby with anencephaly does not have a fully formed brain or scalp as a result of the neural tube failing to close properly. Researchers and medical professionals have reported that anencephaly is caused by genetic and environmental factors. I have been told by my doctor that there is no specific known cause. Research is being done to understand more about anencephaly and other neural tube defects.
Almost 75% of babies with anencepahly born at term survive their birth. The life expectancy of those who survive is only a few hours or days. In most cases anencephaly is an isolated anomaly. It is very unlikely that it should occur again in the same family. It has been shown that the vitamin folic acid can prevent anencephaly.

Our Young Warrior ~ Evan Matthew

Thursday, December 15, 2011

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