Signs of neural tube defects in pregnancy

These conditions develop in the early embryo and affect formation of the brain, spinal cord or covering structures.

A developing baby with a neural tube defect may not change how you feel. Screening can identify a higher chance of certain problems, while ultrasound may show findings involving the spine, skull or brain. A screening result is not the same as a diagnosis; the maternity team will explain what the images and tests can or cannot show.

Some findings are easier to see at a particular stage of pregnancy, and an additional scan or specialist review may be offered. Your care team can discuss the implications for this pregnancy without assuming an outcome from one result.

Attend the pregnancy appointments and screening offered to you, and tell the clinician about relevant medical history or medicines. If a scan raises concern, ask what was seen, whether a specialist scan is needed and when you can expect a clearer explanation. Preconception care can also help review folic acid and other health planning before a future pregnancy.

Neural tube defects do not usually create an urgent symptom in the pregnant person. Contact your maternity team promptly if you are given an unexpected screening result, cannot attend a planned scan, or develop unrelated urgent pregnancy symptoms such as severe pain, heavy bleeding, fainting or feeling very unwell.

Ask which screening test or ultrasound finding prompted concern, how reliable the result is, and whether an anomaly scan or specialist review is next. Ask about available support, what the finding could mean for the baby, and whether preconception care would be useful for a future pregnancy.