A non-stress test (or NST) received its name because there is no stress placed on the fetus; it is a noninvasive procedure performed after 28 weeks gestation in high risk pregnancies. During an NST, two belts are attached to the mother’s abdomen – one to measure the...
Ultrasound technicians typically use a standard measurement for growth. While there are a few available formulas for this measurement, most use the Abdominal Circumference measurement as part of the calculation. In a baby with gastroschisis, this measurement is not...
Oligohydramnios (or low amniotic fluid levels) can occur during gastroschisis pregnancy. This is usually detected during a Biophysical Profile (or BPP) and is measured by the Amniotic Fluid Index (or AFI). Low fluid is a concern because of an increased risk of...
Polyhydramnios (or high amniotic fluid levels) is also a possible occurrence in gastroschisis pregnancies. This can happen due to fetal intestinal dysfunction and nutrient malabsorption resulting in excess amino acids in the amniotic fluid10. While there can be...
Bowel Dilation simply means that the baby’s intestines are measuring larger in some parts than others and can be a sign of complications.12 This can be caused by several factors, including bowel irritation which some doctors believe is caused by exposure to amniotic...
