What are the risks of gastroschisis to my unborn babys health?
During the third trimester, the baby is at risk for gastroschisis-related complications such as bowel dilatation (stretching), decreased fetal growth rate, oligohydramnios (low volume of amniotic fluid, indicating reduced fetal kidney function), and, in only very rare cases, death. For this reason, mothers and babies are closely monitored with ultrasound and fetal non-stress testing. The fetal non-stress test monitors the baby’s heart function. It records the heart rate of the fetus while he or she is moving. If the heart is functioning properly, the fetal heart rate should increase in response to movement.
