Gastroschisis Awareness Day: Understanding the Condition & Importance of Early Intervention
Every year on July 30th , we observe Gastroschisis Awareness Day to shed light on this rare yet serious birth defect. Gastroschisis is a condition where a baby is born with their intestines protruding through a hole in the abdominal wall. While it requires immediate medical attention, advancements in pediatric surgery have significantly improved survival rates and outcomes. What is Gastroschisis? Gastroschisis is a congenital condition that develops early in pregnancy. Due to improper closure of the abdominal wall, the intestines (and sometimes other organs) extend outside the baby's body. Unlike omphalocele , where the organs are covered by a membrane, in gastroschisis, the intestines are exposed to amniotic fluid, leading to irritation and possible complications. Causes & Risk Factors The exact cause of gastroschisis remains unknown, but some risk factors include: Maternal age: Pregnant women under 20 years old have a higher likelihood of having a baby with gastroschisis....