Anencephaly: A Case Report Highlighting the Need for Integrating Ayurvedic and Modern Approaches in Prenatal Care

Abstract

Introduction: Anencephaly is a severe form of congenital defect. It has no effective treatment with a poor prognosis. The exact aetiology of anencephaly remains unclear.  The causes of birth defects may be due to genetic and environmental factors, and can even result from multifactorial inheritance.  Clinical findings: A 22-year-old primigravida woman delivered a macerated stillborn male baby of 260 gm by vaginal route at 24 weeks of gestation. On examination of the newborn showed the absence of cranial vault, with exposed, malformed neural tissue replaced by an angiomatous mass and diagnosed as anencephaly. Conclusion: This case emphasizes the importance of early prenatal diagnosis, preconception education, and adoptable preventive measures to reduce the risk of neural tube defects. Genetic counselling should be offered, particularly for pregnancies that are at high risk or unplanned. Along with this, integrating Ayurvedic principles, such as garbhini paricharya and avoidance of garbhopaghathakara bhavas, with contemporary medical practices can provide a holistic approach to maternal care. Such integration may help to lower the incidence of congenital anomalies and promote healthy pregnancy and offspring.