What is an Open Neural Tube Defect and am I at an increased risk to have a baby with this condition?
The neural tube is a structure that develops into the baby’s brain and spinal cord. Sometimes the tube does not close completely and there may be an opening along the baby’s back (spina bifida) or head (anencephaly). In the Maritimes about 1 out of every 500 babies is born with an open neural tube defect. This number does not increase with maternal age. Taking folic acid prior to pregnancy and after conception can significantly lower the chance of this happening in your baby. CHROMOSOME ABNORMALITIES What are chromosomes? Chromosomes are units of inheritance found inside the cells in our bodies. They contain all of the genetic information and act as a blueprint for how an individual will grow and develop. An individual usually has 46 chromosomes, 23 pairs, in every cell of their body. It is important that an individual have the correct number of chromosomes for proper growth and development. What is a chromosome “abnormality”? The presence of extra or missing chromosome material in an
