
Fetal shunt: device that allows the pressure in the brain to normalize by draining the fluid into the abdominal cavity, where the fluid can be reabsorbed.If your baby has been diagnosed with hydrocephalus, our team will carefully watch them for signs of distress, which may indicate a need for early delivery.Īfter birth, hydrocephalus is treated with one of three surgical options: At this time, there is no fetal treatment for this disorder. How is Hydrocephalus Managed & Treated During Pregnancy?ĭuring pregnancy, hydrocephalus is usually managed with observation. Our specialists are able to confirm this diagnosis with a fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) exam, which provides more detailed images of the brain. Hydrocephalus is typically detected through a prenatal ultrasound between 15 and 35 weeks gestation. How is Hydrocephalus Diagnosed During Pregnancy?

However, it may be linked to a genetic defect, or be the result of another disorder such as spina bifida or encephalocele (sac-like protrusions of the brain). There is no one specific cause of congenital hydrocephalus. Hydrocephalus is often congenital, meaning babies are born with it, but infants and children can develop it as well.

Our team of pediatric specialists, neurosurgeons, and nurses follow the most advanced protocols to treat this condition, giving your baby the best possible care and start in life. We are uniquely trained to diagnose this condition even before a baby is born, and are able treat newborns using minimally-invasive surgical techniques. Louis Fetal Care Institute has one of the most experienced teams in the country for treating hydrocephalus. This graphic shows a baby with a build up of fluid in the cavities around the brain.
