This measurement value for microcephaly is usually more than 2 standard deviations (SDs) below the average. Microcephaly is defined as a head circumference measurement that is smaller than a certain value for babies of the same age and sex. The provider then compares this measurement to population standards by sex and age. To diagnose microcephaly after birth, a healthcare provider will measure the distance around a newborn baby’s head, also called the head circumference, during a physical exam. For more information about screening and confirmatory tests during pregnancy, visit CDC’s birth defects diagnosis web page. To see microcephaly during pregnancy, the ultrasound test should be done late in the 2nd trimester or early in the third trimester. During Pregnancyĭuring pregnancy, microcephaly can sometimes be diagnosed with an ultrasound test (which creates pictures of the body). Microcephaly can be diagnosed during pregnancy or after the baby is born. If you are pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant, talk with your doctor about ways to increase your chances of having a healthy baby.įor information about the effects of Zika virus infection during pregnancy, visit CDC’s Zika and Pregnancy web page. CDC scientists announced that enough evidence has accumulated to conclude that Zika virus infection during pregnancy is a cause of microcephaly and other severe fetal brain defects.ĬDC continues to study birth defects, such as microcephaly, and how to prevent them. Some babies with microcephaly have been reported among mothers who were infected with Zika virus while pregnant. Interruption of the blood supply to the baby’s brain during development.Exposure to harmful substances, such as alcohol, certain drugs, or toxic chemicals.Severe malnutrition, meaning a lack of nutrients or not getting enough food.Certain infections during pregnancy, such as rubella, toxoplasmosis, or cytomegalovirus.Other causes of microcephaly, including severe microcephaly, can include the following exposures during pregnancy: Some babies have microcephaly because of changes in their genes. The causes of microcephaly in most babies are unknown. Researchers estimate that about 1 in every 800-5,000 babies is born with microcephaly in the United States. How Many Babies are Born with Microcephaly? Severe microcephaly also can be life-threatening. Because it is difficult to predict at birth what problems a baby will have from microcephaly, babies with microcephaly often need close follow-up through regular check-ups with a healthcare provider to monitor their growth and development. Because the baby’s brain is small and underdeveloped, babies with severe microcephaly can have more of these problems, or have more difficulty with them, than babies with milder microcephaly. These problems can range from mild to severe and are often lifelong. ![]()
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