HomeAnswersPediatricshydrocephalusUnborn baby is diagnosed with hydrocephaly in the 34th week. What can be done?

Unborn baby is diagnosed with hydrocephaly in the 34th week. Kindly advise.

Share

The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Divya Banu M

Published At September 6, 2019
Reviewed AtSeptember 12, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Our unborn baby is diagnosed with hydrocephaly in the 34th week (now). We were totally shocked because the doctors in the clinic said that this disease must have been detected much earlier (where we live). Unfortunately, on the ultrasonic image the ventricles can be seen filled with a fluid almost entirely. We were told three times that the baby has got a very bad prognosis and yet we still do not know anything. We will have an MR scan in a week and my spouse is going to have a CS in the 37th week and she is very anxious. What can we expect?

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Please do not be so anxious. A pediatrician and a pediatric neurosurgeon opinion should be taken for the same. TORCH infection needs to be ruled out in both the mother and the baby. If all is well and baby is born, a ventriculoperitoneal shunt operation may be done (based on MRI brain of the new born baby) for the baby to drain the excess fluid. Another possibility would be a vein of Galen malformation, but that would be diagnosed only after the child is born.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Faisal Abdul Karim Malim
Dr. Faisal Abdul Karim Malim

Pediatrics

Community Banner Mobile
By subscribing, I agree to iCliniq's Terms & Privacy Policy.

Read answers about:

hydrocephalusmri

Ask your health query to a doctor online

Pediatrics

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. iCliniq privacy policy