A "gastro baby" is a term used to describe a baby born with gastroschisis, a birth defect where the infant's intestines, and sometimes other organs, protrude outside of the body through a hole in the abdominal wall.
Here's a breakdown of what that means:
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Gastroschisis: This condition occurs when the abdominal wall doesn't close completely during pregnancy. Typically, this opening is located next to the baby's belly button.
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What Protrudes: Usually, the small and large intestines are outside the body. In some cases, the stomach and liver can also protrude.
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No Protective Sac: Unlike another similar condition called omphalocele, the organs in gastroschisis are not covered by a protective sac. This direct exposure makes the organs more vulnerable to damage and infection.
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Causes: The exact cause of gastroschisis is unknown, but it's thought to be related to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. It's more common in babies born to younger mothers and those who smoke or use certain medications during pregnancy.
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Treatment: Treatment involves surgically placing the organs back inside the baby's abdomen and closing the opening. This may be done in a single surgery or gradually over a few days, depending on the size of the defect. After surgery, the baby will need specialized care in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
While gastroschisis can be a serious condition, with proper medical care, most babies born with it go on to live healthy lives.
