Hydrocephalus is a serious medical condition that affects the brain, often beginning before or shortly after birth. For many women in Lagos planning to become pregnant, understanding how to prevent hydrocephalus is an important step toward ensuring a healthy baby.
In this post, we'll break down what hydrocephalus is, what causes it, and how you can reduce your risk during pregnancy.
What Is Hydrocephalus?
Hydrocephalus is a condition where excess fluid (cerebrospinal fluid) builds up in the brain, causing pressure and swelling. This can lead to:
- Enlarged head size in babies
- Developmental delays
- Sunken eyes
- Seizures
- Vision or hearing problems
It can be congenital (present at birth) or acquired (develops later due to infection, trauma, or brain hemorrhage).
Can Hydrocephalus Be Prevented?
While not all cases can be prevented, especially those due to genetic or unknown causes, many risk factors can be minimized—especially before and during pregnancy.
If you're a woman in Lagos planning for pregnancy, here are essential tips to help reduce the risk:
1. Start Folic Acid Early
Take at least 4–8mg of folic acid daily while you are trying to get pregnant and throughout the first trimester.
Folic acid prevents neural tube defects, which are linked to hydrocephalus.
2. Prevent and Treat Infections Early
Maternal infections like meningitis, toxoplasmosis, rubella, cytomegalovirus (CMV), and syphilis can increase the risk of hydrocephalus.
- Get tested and treated before conception
- Ensure you’re up to date on vaccinations, including rubella and hepatitis
- Practice safe sex and good hygiene during pregnancy
3. Book a Preconception Checkup
A thorough checkup helps detect conditions that could lead to complications. Your provider may:
- Review your medical history
- Screen for STIs and chronic illnesses
- Recommend lifestyle changes
- Suggest a safe prenatal care plan
4. Go for Regular Antenatal Care
Early and regular antenatal visits in Lagos can help detect warning signs early. Monitoring the baby’s development through pregnancy scans can help spot brain abnormalities, including hydrocephalus.
5. Avoid Harmful Substances
Smoking, excessive alcohol, and use of street drugs during pregnancy increase the risk of brain abnormalities in the unborn child. Exposure to toxic chemicals or herbal mixtures of unknown safety should also be avoided.
6. Manage Chronic Illnesses Like Diabetes or Hypertension
Uncontrolled blood sugar or high blood pressure during pregnancy can increase the risk of congenital problems in the baby, including hydrocephalus.
Conclusion
Hydrocephalus may not always be preventable, but with the right steps, women in Lagos can reduce their risks and protect their baby’s brain health.
If you’re planning to conceive, now is the time to take charge of your health.
Mascot Healthcare is here to support women in Lagos with:
- Preconception and antenatal checkups
- Ultrasound scans
- Pregnancy-safe vitamins and care
Start your journey with confidence. Book a consultation today.