What are the causes of fetal hydrocephalus during pregnancy?
May 08, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Lu
Introduction
In general, fetal hydrocephalus refers to a pathological condition characterized by abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) within the fetal ventricular system, leading to ventricular enlargement. It may be caused by factors such as malnutrition, folic acid deficiency, rubella virus infection, cerebral vascular malformations, or obstruction of CSF circulation. To prevent this condition, pregnant women should maintain a balanced diet and ensure adequate nutrient intake in their daily lives.
Generally speaking, pregnancy refers to gestation. Fetal hydrocephalus during pregnancy may be caused by factors such as malnutrition, folic acid deficiency, rubella virus, cerebral vascular malformations, and obstruction of cerebrospinal fluid circulation. Detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Malnutrition
Insufficient nutrient intake by pregnant women during pregnancy, particularly a lack of protein and vitamins, may affect the growth and development of the fetal nervous system, indirectly leading to hydrocephalus. Pregnant women should maintain a balanced diet and consume adequate protein and vitamin-rich foods to ensure sufficient nutrition for the fetus.
2. Folic Acid Deficiency
Folic acid is crucial for the development of the fetal neural tube. A deficiency in folic acid may lead to abnormal neural tube development, subsequently causing hydrocephalus. It is recommended to take folic acid or active folic acid orally three months before pregnancy and during the last three months of pregnancy to prevent neural tube defects and hydrocephalus.
3. Rubella Virus
Rubella virus infection may occur due to respiratory transmission or viral infection, which can weaken the immune function of pregnant women. The rubella virus can be transmitted from mother to child, potentially affecting the development of the fetal nervous system, causing impaired cerebrospinal fluid circulation, and resulting in hydrocephalus. It may also be accompanied by intrauterine growth retardation and abnormal intellectual development. Treatment should be conducted under medical guidance, and regular prenatal examinations should be performed to monitor fetal development. If necessary, medications such as acyclovir tablets, ganciclovir capsules, and ribavirin tablets may be used under medical supervision.
4. Cerebral Vascular Malformations
Cerebral vascular malformations may be associated with exposure to chemical or radioactive substances during pregnancy. These harmful substances can lead to abnormal fetal cerebral vascular development, causing cerebral hemorrhage and blood accumulation in the ventricles, resulting in hydrocephalus. It may also be accompanied by fetal intracranial hemorrhage and increased intracranial pressure. Medical guidance is required for surgical vascular reconstruction or removal of malformed vessels. During pregnancy, medications such as tranexamic acid injection, vitamin K1 injection, and etamsylate injection may be considered to control bleeding.
5. Obstruction of Cerebrospinal Fluid Circulation
Fetal cerebrospinal fluid circulation pathways may become blocked by soft tissue, preventing timely drainage of cerebrospinal fluid and causing its accumulation in the ventricles, leading to hydrocephalus. Symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and decreased fetal movement may also occur. Under medical advice, medications like furosemide tablets, hydrochlorothiazide tablets, and spironolactone tablets may be used to reduce fluid accumulation in the body.
To prevent this condition, pregnant women should maintain a balanced diet in daily life and ensure sufficient intake of nutrients, especially protein and vitamins. Additionally, folic acid should be taken during pregnancy to prevent neural tube defects.
