Is it normal for a baby to have bilateral ventriculomegaly?

Nowadays, many parents will find that their babies have bilateral ventricle enlargement during newborn examinations or infant physical examinations. Why do babies have bilateral ventricle enlargement? Is it normal for babies to have bilateral ventricle enlargement? Is this a physiological problem or a disease? Does it require treatment? I think this must be a question in the minds of many parents. The editor will answer them one by one below.

1. If it is discovered during pregnancy, the fetus is still in a period of rapid growth. The development of the fetal brain is sometimes faster than the aqueduct system in the brain. When the amount of cerebrospinal fluid produced in the brain is significantly greater than the circulation capacity of the aqueduct system, slight dilation of the ventricular system will occur. However, this slight dilation will gradually disappear as the aqueduct system in the brain develops and improves. When hydrocephalus is obvious, it is often manifested as one side or the entire brain being filled with fluid. Don't be nervous, check back in time.

2. Hydrocephalus refers to the excessive accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the ventricular system. There are many causes of hydrocephalus. In addition to excessive production of cerebrospinal fluid, it is also caused by absorption disorders or blockage of the cerebral aqueduct. Certain diseases such as intracranial hemorrhage, infection, etc., their sequelae can lead to hydrocephalus, and hydrocephalus can occur at any time during pregnancy. Therefore, even if the brain development is normal in the second trimester, hydrocephalus may occur in the third trimester. Therefore, ultrasound examination during pregnancy is very necessary.

3. The so-called widening of the lateral ventricles is due to the accumulation of fluid in other tissues of the ventricles, which also exists under normal circumstances. There is no uniform standard for width. Some say that no more than 0.8cm is physiological, while others say no more than 1.2cm. However, if the fetus's bilateral ventricles are enlarged by more than 15mm, the doctor will recommend termination of pregnancy.

4. There is no clear way to avoid it at present. If you want to get pregnant again in the future, you can take folic acid supplements in advance to avoid known adverse environments.

5. Generally, 10MM is normal for babies. 11-15MM needs close observation and may be absorbed later. Those above 15MM are more likely to have hydrocephalus, but many of them are healthy. Even babies with hydrocephalus can be treated after birth, and many can recover completely! So mothers don’t have to worry too much.

After reading this, do mothers have a certain understanding of whether it is normal for the fetus or baby to have bilateral ventricle enlargement? Mothers who are preparing for pregnancy should supplement folic acid to provide a good birth environment for their children. Expectant mothers should have timely check-ups, pay attention to the condition of the fetus, and follow the doctor's advice. Don't worry if the baby has bilateral ventricle enlargement, as many of them can be absorbed by themselves. I wish all mothers in the world have a smart and healthy baby.