Anencephaly

Anencephaly is a serious birth defect where a baby is born without a major part of the brain and skull. This happens during early pregnancy due to incomplete development of the neural tube, which normally forms the brain and skull. Babies with anencephaly typically lack a higher brain function and are often born unable to survive long after birth. It is a rare condition, and its causes are not fully understood, though factors like genetic mutations and lack of folic acid during pregnancy can contribute. There is no known way to prevent anencephaly once pregnancy has begun.