Gastroschisis

Description: Gastroschisis is a birth defect of the abdominal (Belly) wall. A hole in the baby's belly just next to the belly button allows the intestines space to escape through. The size of the hole determines how much of the babies organs are exposed, these may include the intestines, stomach and liver. This disorder usually occurs early on in pregnancy after the muscles that make up the baby's abdominal wall do not form correctly. Because the bowel is exposed to amniotic fluid for a prolonged period of time, it can become very irritated causing it to shorten, swell or twist.