Abdominal Wall Defects
What is an abdominal wall defect?
How common are abdominal wall defects?
What causes abdominal wall defects?
How is an abdominal wall defect diagnosed?
How is an abdominal wall defect treated?
Can an abdominal wall defect be prevented?
Where can I get more information about abdominal wall defects?
What is an abdominal wall defect?
Babies with abdominal wall defects (AWDs) have abnormal openings along the abdomen (belly) so that intestines and other organs are outside the baby's body. There are two different types of AWDs. Although the conditions may look similar, there are some important differences.
Gastroschisis: An opening right next to the umbilical cord which allows the intestines to move outside of the baby. Babies with this type of AWD usually have no other birth defects.
To learn more: Prenatal Ultrasound Findings - What is Gastroschisis?
Omphalocele: The intestines are out of the body directly behind (underneath) the umbilical cord. The liver and stomach may also move out of the body, especially when the opening is larger. In this type of AWD the intestines are covered with a membrane. Babies with an omphalocele more likely to have other birth defects and medical problems.
How common are abdominal wall defects?
Gastroschisis occurs in about 1 out of 2,000 births.
Omphalocele occurs in about 1 out of 4,000 births.
What causes abdominal wall defects?
The cause of gastroschisis is unknown. It is more likely to happen in women under 20 years old, but there are no other risk factors.
Omphaloceles are often caused by a chromosome abnormality or genetic syndrome in the baby. Follow-up testing can help determine the cause when this type of AWD is diagnosed.
How is an abdominal wall defect diagnosed?
Most AWDs are diagnosed by ultrasound during pregnancy. However, sometimes the defect may be hard to see due to its size or the baby's position in the womb. Prenatal screening can also help identify some pregnancies with AWD, especially when the intestines are not covered by a membrane.
How is an abdominal wall defect treated?
Surgery after birth can often repair an abdominal wall defect. The long-term outlook for a baby with an abdominal wall defect depends on several factors, such as the size of the defect, the presence of other birth defects, and the success of surgery after birth.
Can abdominal wall defects be prevented?
Some studies have found that getting lots of fruits and vegetables, taking folic acid, and not smoking during the first three months of pregnancy may lower the risk for gastroschisis. However, there is no way proven to prevent AWDs.
Where can I get more information about abdominal wall defects?
Genetics Home Reference: Abdominal wall defect: A guide to abdominal wall defects provided by the U.S. National Library of Health. Includes additional links.
Avery's Angels - A support site for patients and families affected by gastroschisis.
Last reviewed: January 25, 2018
Reviewed by: Kimberly Barr, LCGC