Fetal Microcephaly

Microcephaly is a condition characterized by a baby’s brain growth slowing down or stopping in the womb, or after delivery. This can result in an infant having a much smaller head than other babies, and in many cases, can also lead to developmental delays.

How is Microcephaly Diagnosed?

Microcephaly is often detected through a prenatal ultrasound and may not be obvious until the third trimester.

What Causes Microcephaly?

A child can develop microcephaly in a mother’s womb. Factors that cause a baby’s brain to stop growing in utero include:

• Genetic factors
• Exposure to the Zika virus
• Severe maternal malnutrition
• Chromosomal abnormalities
• Maternal alcohol or drug use
• Exposure to chemicals
• Interruption of the blood supply to the baby's brain

Knowing the cause is helpful in predicting the type of complications a child will experience. For example, microcephaly due to prenatal infections such as the Zika virus can cause hearing and vision problems. On the other hand, some forms of microcephaly are linked with severe developmental delay or a high risk for seizures.

How is Microcephaly Managed?

There is no cure for microcephaly and babies with microcephaly have varied outcomes. For some, the medical challenges they face will be significant enough that they will pass away shortly after delivery.

Some babies that survive the newborn period will have significant cognitive impairment and other medical issues that will require advanced care throughout life. Babies with less severe cases may have fewer noticeable symptoms. Approximately 15 percent of cases do not require any treatment apart from routine exams. If your child has complications, we will treat their specific needs, customizing a care plan to improve their overall well-being.

The goal of treatment for those born with microcephaly is managing the child’s comfort and maximizing their capabilities at home and in their world.

Developmental Therapies We May Recommend

• Physical therapy to help movement
• Occupational therapy to increase confidence in performing day-to-day tasks
• Speech therapy to help improve language, voice and swallowing skills
• Psychological counseling to boost self-esteem and an understanding of their medical condition
• Medication to control seizures, hyperactivity, or other problems