Many pregnant women already take folic acid as a nutritional health supplement to prevent congenital defects, but they may be able to use it for more than prevention.

Research done at the University of Manchester and Lancaster opens the possibility of treating hydrocephalus, a change in cerebrospinal fluid which can lead to brain damage and resultant birth defects, up to five months into the pregnancy.

The findings by a team led by Dr. Jaleel Miyan found that the cerebrospinal fluid, which was previously thought to just protect the brain, plays “an essential biological role in developing the brain,” and a combination of vitamins helps maintain the consistency of the fluid.

A mixture of tetrahydrofolate and folinic acid has been found to stabilize the fluid in rats, promoting proper brain development.

Clinical trials may be forthcoming on a version of the nutritional supplement for use in varying stages of pregnancy.

According to the National Institute of Health, hydrocephalus affects 1 in 500 children.