Gastroschisis is a congenital anomaly (birth defect) characterized by a structural defect in the anterior abdominal wall. This allows the baby’s intestinal contents to protrude freely outside the body, typically through a small hole located immediately to the right of the belly button.

According to the CDC, several maternal and environmental factors are linked to increased risk of gastroschisis:

Teenage mothers have a significantly higher likelihood of having a baby with gastroschisis than older mothers.

Smoking or consuming alcohol during pregnancy elevates the risk.

Use of ibuprofen during early pregnancy has been identified as a risk-elevating factor.

Genitourinary tract infections just before or during early pregnancy are associated with higher risk.

Highly prevalent in babies who are small for gestational age; the exact cause-and-effect relationship remains unclear.

Research suggests a potential link between change in paternity and gastroschisis, hinting at maternal immune system involvement.

When gastroschisis occurs as an isolated defect, it typically follows an autosomal recessive inheritance pattern, though it can originate as a sporadic mutation or appear autosomal dominant. Because abdominal wall defects can be linked to genetic disorders, genetic counseling and amniocentesis may be offered during pregnancy.

If there are no accompanying genetic anomalies, early surgical intervention after birth yields highly successful outcomes.