At a press conference held at the Hyderabad Press Club, Dr. Pir Asad Qureshi, a neurosurgeon from Bilawal Medical College Kotri, shared some alarming news regarding newborn health. Alongside other medical professionals, including DHO Hyderabad Dr. Lala Jafar Pathan, Dr. Abid Sandh, and Dr. Iqra, Dr. Qureshi revealed that water collecting in newborns’ brains and spines is rising rapidly. The root cause? A deficiency of folic acid in pregnant women.
Dr. Qureshi stressed that this condition, known as hydrocephalus, can easily be avoided by ensuring that expecting mothers have enough folic acid in their diets. He pointed out that this vitamin is crucial during pregnancy to protect the baby from such complications. Unfortunately, the lack of regular check-ups and awareness among pregnant women means many aren’t taking this simple but essential step.
What’s shocking is that folic acid is affordable and easily available, yet the awareness just isn’t there. Dr. Qureshi emphasized that it’s not just for women, even men can benefit from these supplements. He also reminded the public that the World Health Organization (WHO) marks October 25th as a global awareness day dedicated to this condition, with campaigns running throughout the entire month to educate people about it.
The take-home message from this press conference was clear – a little bit of awareness and regular check-ups during pregnancy can prevent serious issues like water buildup in the brain and spine of newborns. Dr. Qureshi and his team urged everyone to spread the word, as prevention is often much simpler than dealing with the consequences later. So, whether you’re expecting or not, spreading awareness about folic acid’s importance can make a world of difference.
