3. Side effects of medication
Most often anencephaly is an isolated birth defect. Most cases are due to several factors including environment, genetics and bad luck. These cases are not tied to other birth defects or anomalies though cleft palate and heart defects are often found in anencephaly patients. Prescription and herbal medications often have long term side effects that are not easily understood.
According to recent studies, some medications may increase the chances of a person’s pregnancy resulting in a fetus afflicted with anencephaly. In fact, certain medications used to help treat and manage diabetes have been directly linked to an increase in birth defects and anencephaly.
Many herbal supplements are not regulated nor have their long term side effects been studied. Some ingredients may increase the chance of anencephaly or other birth defects when taken alone or paired with other medications. Patients who are obese or who have trouble controlling their insulin levels should consider all factors prior to getting pregnant.