Question:

My daughter is 29 weeks into her pregnancy and was told today at her routine ultrasound that the baby`s brain is not symmetrical and they are concerned. He was diagnosed with a cleft lip several months ago and everything looked normal till today. What is this and what is the prognosis for this type of birth defect. All other measurements appear normal. We are very worried about him. Any information you can provide will be appreciated.

Answer:

Unfortunately, I am not able to give you a diagnosis thus it is very difficult to predict what the prognosis will be for your grandchild. There could be many reasons why the brain is not growing appropriately. If she has not already done so, she may want to talk to her doctor about seeing a maternal fetal specialist or a geneticist to discuss the findings of the ultrasound and what it could mean. You can find a genetics center near you at the National Society of Genetic Counselors’ Resource Center at the website below.

Related Resources:

National Society of Genetic Counselors Resource Center

For more information:

Go to the Inherited Disorders and Birth Defects health topic.