What Are the Symptoms of Gastroschisis?
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.IdentificationGastroschisis 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.TypesGastroschisis 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.FeaturesBecause 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.
