Baby Judah
What is gastroschisis? 
Gastroschisis is a relatively uncommon condition that occurs in approximately 1 in 5,000 live births. It is one of a group of birth defects known as abdominal wall defects, which occur very early in gestation and are characterized by an opening in the abdominal wall of the fetus.
Most cases of fetal gastroschisis involve the intestine and other abdominal organs herniating (protruding) through an opening (hole) in the abdominal wall and spilling out into the amniotic fluid around the fetus. This opening is usually found to the right of the belly button. As a consequence, the unprotected intestine becomes irritated, causing it to swell and shorten.
The longer the exposure to amniotic fluid, the more likely the intestine will become damaged. In addition, as the fetus continues to develop, the tight opening may squeeze the blood supply to the intestine or cause it to twist around itself. Either of these consequences can cause inflammation, intestinal blockage, loss or malfunction and lead to long-term feeding problems after the baby is born.
Gastroschisis diagnosis
The diagnosis of gastroschisis is suspected after routine blood tests show abnormally high alpha fetoprotein levels. Gastroschisis is diagnosed by routine ultrasound in the second trimester when free-floating intestine is seen.
For proper counseling and management, it is important to distinguish gastroschisis from other abdominal wall defects, such as omphalocele (a membrane-covered herniation of the abdominal organs into the base of the umbilical cord).
Expectant mothers will undergo a comprehensive, one-day evaluation that includes a high-definition level II ultrasound to confirm the gastroschisis diagnosis and assess the intestine free-floating in amniotic fluid.
After the ultrasound, your family will meet with a high-risk obstetrician, pediatric surgeon and nurse coordinator who review test results, confirm the diagnosis, discuss options and potential outcomes and answer questions. Our team develops a treatment plan tailored to the specific needs of you and your baby.
Causes of gastroschisis
While there is no specific known cause of gastroschisis, it does not appear to run in families and the recurrence risk is not higher in future pregnancies. Gastroschisis occurs more often in babies born to younger mothers and the incidence of gastroschisis is increasing worldwide.
Unlike other abdominal wall defects, such as omphalocele, gastroschisis is typically not associated with chromosomal abnormalities or other structural malformations with the exception of an intestinal blockage (atresia), which occurs in only about 10 percent of infants with gastroschisis.
Management and delivery of babies with gastroschisis
The remainder of your pregnancy will be closely monitored. Your baby’s intestine may become damaged because of exposure to the amniotic fluid. It is difficult to predict which babies are at risk for intestinal complications prenatally.
Pregnancies diagnosed with gastroschisis are at risk for certain complications such as poor fetal growth, decreased amniotic fluid volume, preterm delivery and stillbirth. Our center routinely monitors mothers starting at 28 to 32 weeks gestation with twice-weekly biophysical profiles and Doppler ultrasounds, keeping a close watch for signs of fetal distress.
ABOUT THE ARMER FOUNDATION FOR KIDS:
Founded by Jennifer and Matt Armer in 2019, the Armer Foundation For Kids (a 501(c)(3) 84-2327428) works to reduce
financial barriers for families so that they can care for their children with chronic or life-altering diseases that can often
lead to unforeseen financial burdens. For more information and to see the children for which they are currently
fundraising, visit www.armerfoundation.org.
