What are neural tube defects (NTDs)?
Between the 17th and 30th day after conception (or 4 to 6 weeks after the first day of a womans last menstrual period), the neural tube forms in the embryo (developing baby) and then closes. The neural tube later becomes the babys spinal cord, spine, brain, and skull. A neural tube defect (NTD) occurs when the neural tube fails to close properly, leaving the developing brain or spinal cord exposed to the amniotic fluid. The two most common neural tube defects are anencephaly and spina bifida.
Neural tube defects (NTDs) are major birth defects of a baby’s brain or spine. They happen when the neural tube (that later turns into the brain and spine) doesn’t form right, and the baby’s brain or spine is damaged. This happens within the first few weeks a woman is pregnant, often before a woman knows she is pregnant.
