Introduction:Encephalocele is one of the commonest neural tube defects, with the frequency of approximately 1–4 : 1000 births. We conducted a study of epidemiology of encephalocele, at our institution in rural set-up , to know the role of antenatal checkups (folic acid supplementation and prenatal sonography) of mother, in decreasing the incidence of encephalocele in rural and tribal population. Aims & Objectives:To study the role of antenatal checkups of mother, on the incidence of encephalocele in rural and tribal population. Materials & Methods:The study has been conducted at A.C.P.M Medical College, Dhule for a period of five years from 1998 to 2003.The study consists of twenty three patients of encephalocele. Age of presentation was observed. All the patients underwent routine investigations and sonography. They all were surgically managed. Progress of the patients was followed up. All the data was collected, tabulated and analysed. Result:None of the patients’ mother has received preconceptional counselling and antenatal care. Therefore none of them received folic acid supplementation, during pregnancy or prior to it. Consequently, sonographic detection of encephalocele was missed.Hence, we would like to postulate, that lack of antenatal checkups, has resulted in increased incidence of encephalocele in tribal population. Conclusion:Improvement in antenatal checkups (folic acid supplementation and prenatalsonography) of mother has resulted in decreasing incidence of enceohalocele in rural and tribal population. 

Keywords:Encephalocele; Antenatal;Folic acid supplementation;Prenatal sonography.