Amniotic band syndrome, also known as amniotic band syndrome, is a very rare condition in which pieces of tissue similar to the amniotic pouch wrap around the arms, legs or other parts of the fetus’ body during pregnancy, forming a band.
When this happens, the blood cannot reach these places correctly and, as a result, the baby may be born with malformations or lack of fingers and even without complete limbs, depending on where the amniotic band has formed. When this occurs on the face, it is very common to be born with a cleft palate or cleft lip, for example.
- In most cases.
- Treatment is done after birth with surgery to correct malformations by surgery or prosthetics.
- For example.
- But there are some cases where your doctor may suggest surgery on your uterus to remove the ring and allow the fetus to develop normally.
- However.
- This type of surgery carries more risks.
- Including an abortion or a serious infection.
No two cases of this syndrome are identical, however, the most common changes in the baby include:
In addition, there are also many cases in which an abortion can occur, especially when the band, or amniotic band, forms around the umbilical cord, preventing blood from passing through the entire fetus.
Specific causes that lead to the onset of amniotic band syndrome are not yet known, however, it is possible that it occurs when the inner membrane of the amniotic sac bursts without destroying the outer membrane. In this way, the fetus can continue to grow, but it is surrounded by small pieces of inner membrane, which can wrap its limbs.
This situation cannot be predicted or any factor can contribute to its onset and therefore nothing can be done to reduce the risk of syndrome. However, this is a very rare syndrome and, even if it does, it does not mean that the woman again has a similar pregnancy.
Amniotic band syndrome is usually diagnosed during the first trimester of pregnancy, thanks to one of the ultrasounds performed during prenatal visits.
In almost all cases treatment is performed after the birth of the baby and is used to correct the changes caused by the amniotic straps, therefore several techniques can be used, depending on the problem to be treated and the associated risks:
As it is very common for the baby to be born with a congenital lower foot, the pediatrician may also advise you to do ponseti’s technique, which involves placing a cast on the baby’s foot each week for 5 months and then using orthopedic porpoises for up to 4 years, corrects foot changes, without surgery. Learn more about how this issue is handled.