About this topic
An abdominal wall defect in a baby happens very early in pregnancy. With this condition, some of the organs that are normally inside of your baby 's belly are on the outside. Some babies have a small defect with only a little of the bowel on the outside. Others have larger defects with the liver, stomach, or spleen on the outside. ‚
There are two main kinds of abdominal wall defects; ‚
- Gastroschisis ¢ ˆ ’ The opening is most often to the right of the belly button. The organs spill out into the fluid around the baby.
- Oomphalocele ¢ ˆ ’ The opening is in the muscles at the bottom of the belly button. The organs are covered with a clear sac.
What are the causes?
Doctors do not know what causes an abdominal wall defect. ‚
What can make this more likely to happen?
Babies with this condition are more often born to mothers who: ‚
- Are teenagers
- Smoke
- Drink alcohol
- Are overweight
What are the main signs?
- The bowels and other organs are on the outside of your babys belly.
- There may be too much fluid around a baby with this problem while inside the mother's womb.
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
Doctors may be able to see the problem on an ultrasound before the baby is born. Your doctor will watch you closely for the rest of the time you are pregnant. When your baby is born, the doctor will be able to see organs on the outside of the babys stomach. Then, the doctor will carefully check the organs that are on the outside of your baby's belly. ‚
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
The doctor will wrap the organs in moist gauze and cover the organs with a plastic wrap. Your baby will need to have surgery to put the organs back into the belly. Sometimes, your babys belly is too small and there is too much of the stomach organs on the outside. If this is the case, the doctor may place a plastic cover, called a silo, over the organs. Every few days, the organs will be gently pushed into your baby 's belly as the skin stretches. When they are all inside, the skin will be closed over the opening. ‚
Are there other health problems to treat?
Your baby will need to have a tube in the nose. This will help to drain any extra fluid and air from the belly. Your baby may not be able to eat formula or breast milk for a while. Your baby will get nutrition through an I.V. until able to eat. Babies with this problem may also have other birth defects or problems that need to be treated. ‚
Will there be any other care needed?
Some babies have problems breathing as the organs are being slowly pushed back into the belly. Your baby may need a breathing machine. Your baby may also have problems feeding when allowed to take a bottle or go to the breast. ‚
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
There is nothing you can do to prevent an abdominal wall defect. This condition happens very early in the pregnancy, sometimes, even before a mother knows she is pregnant. ‚
Where can I learn more?
Better Health Channel ‚
http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Birth_defects_of_the_abdomen ‚
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ‚
http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/birthdefects/Gastroschisis.html ‚
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ‚
http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/birthdefects/omphalocele.html ‚
Genetic Home Reference ‚
http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/abdominal-wall-defect ‚
Last Reviewed Date
2015-03-31 ‚
List_set bdysylist
- Gastrointestinal
- Neonatal
- Reproductive
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care provider 's advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2016 Wolters Kluwer Clinical Drug Information, Inc. and its affiliates and/or licensors. All rights reserved. ‚