Gastroschisis
Gastroschisis is a birth defect that happens while a baby is growing in the womb. It occurs when an opening forms in the baby’s belly (abdominal) wall. Because of this hole the baby’s intestines (bowel) pushes through this hole and develops outside of the baby’s body in the amniotic fluid.
The opening is most often on the right side of the baby’s belly button. It can be large or small but is typically one to two inches in size. In more severe cases, the stomach and/or liver can sometimes make their way through the opening as well.
Because the intestines (bowel) is outside of the baby’s body, it is unprotected. This can cause the intestines (bowel) to become irritated, swollen or damaged.
Gastroschisis is rare. It occurs in about one out of every 2,000 babies. It develops early in pregnancy, usually between weeks 4 and 8. It is caused by a weakness in the baby’s belly muscles near the umbilical cord. Mothers do not have symptoms during pregnancy if their baby has this condition.
Gastroschisis can be fixed with surgery after your baby is born. It is usually not associated with other malformations.