newborn health

Neural tube defects (NTDs) are serious birth defects of the brain, spine, or spinal cord. They occur during the first month of pregnancy, often before a woman even knows she's pregnant. The neural tube is the embryonic structure that eventually develops into the baby's brain and spinal cord and the tissues that enclose them. When this tube does not close completely, it results in neural tube defects.

The Ballard Score, also known as the Ballard Maturational Assessment, is a scoring system used to estimate the gestational age of a newborn baby, especially those born prematurely. The score combines physical and neuromuscular criteria to provide a comprehensive assessment of a newborn's maturity.