Neural tube defects detected at 16 weeks of gestation are usually irremediable and early induction of labor is recommended once they occur. Common neural tube defects during pregnancy include anencephaly, spina bifida and brain enlargement. Severe neural tube malformations cause frequent stillbirths and stillbirths, and can cause a dramatic increase in amniotic fluid during pregnancy. A few neural tube malformations are viable but incurable, often resulting in lifelong disability or even premature death, so induction of labor is recommended for most ultrasound indications of neural tube malformations at 16 weeks’ gestation. It is recommended that women take oral folic acid at least until the third trimester of pregnancy to prevent 80% of neural tube malformations, and that they undergo regular checkups during pregnancy and consult with their obstetrician as soon as any abnormality is detected.