What is an amniotic band in pregnancy?
Amniotic band syndrome (ABS) is a rare birth defect in which bands of tissue inside the sac of fluid that surrounds a baby in the womb tangle around the baby’s body causing injury. This happens when there is a rupture in the inside sac (amnion).
What is amniotic band syndrome caused by?
It is believed that amniotic band syndrome occurs when the inner membrane (amnion) ruptures, or tears, without injury to the outer membrane (chorion). The developing fetus is still floating in fluid but is then exposed to the floating tissue (bands) from the ruptured amnion.
How common is amniotic band syndrome?
If the entanglement becomes tight enough to constrict blood flow in the limb, the development of the limb may become affected. When an amniotic band causes such damage to part of the fetal body, it is called amniotic band syndrome. Overall, amniotic bands have been reported in up to 1 in 1200 live births.
Is there a way to prevent amniotic band syndrome?
Prevention. Currently, there is no clear-cut way to prevent amniotic band syndrome from occurring. However, it’s important to talk to your doctor early in your pregnancy if you have a family history of amniotic band syndrome or you have possible risk factors for developing it, like diabetes or if you smoke or use drugs …
What happens to the amniotic band during pregnancy?
Amniotic band syndrome can occur when the inner layer of the placenta, called the amnion, is damaged during pregnancy. If this happens, thin strands of tissue (amniotic bands) form inside the amnion.
How often does a baby get amniotic band syndrome?
When an amniotic band causes such damage to part of the fetal body, it is called amniotic band syndrome. Overall, amniotic bands have been reported in up to 1 in 1200 live births. However, a much smaller proportion of these babies develop amniotic band syndrome.
Can a ruptured sac cause amniotic band syndrome?
Concerns, if any, are mainly cosmetic. While research points to an early rupturing or tearing of the amniotic sac as the likeliest cause of amniotic band syndrome, scientists are still trying to figure out what puts a pregnant person at risk for such an occurrence.
What is the extrinsic theory of amniotic band syndrome?
The extrinsic theory states that amniotic band syndrome occurs due to factors found outside of the developing baby (externally); the intrinsic theory states that amniotic band syndrome occurs due to factors found within the baby (internally).