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The Curious Bag
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Gastroschisis is a congenital birth defect caused by an abnormal opening in the abdominal wall near the fetus' umbilicus (belly button). The baby's small intestine and part of her large intestine may be outside her body, floating in the amniotic fluid of the mother's uterus.
Identification
Gastroschisis can be diagnosed in utero with a detailed ultrasound that shows the abnormality in the fetus' abdominal wall, as well as loops of bowel outside his body.
Types
Gastroschisis may cause symptoms in the unborn fetus during the third trimester of the mother's pregnancy. Once the baby is born, she may have additional symptoms.
Features
Because part of the fetus' bowel is outside his body and unprotected, his bowels may become enlarged and fetal growth rate may slow down. A newborn with uncorrected gastroschisis typically has a lump to the right of his umbilicus with loops of bowel protruding. These exposed intestines may be damaged during delivery, leaving the baby with feeding problems.
Effects
Untreated gastroschisis in unborn babies can lower the volume of the mother's amniotic fluid, predispose her to preterm delivery, and slightly increase the risk of fetal death.
Considerations
To avoid complications in the pre-natal period and during delivery, the mother's doctor will monitor the baby's health with regular ultrasounds and non-stress testing to evaluate the baby's heart function.
Source:
Cincinnati Hospital Children's Medical Center: Gastroschisis
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