PERINATOLOGY.comInformation for you about your pregnancy
Patient Handout

Gastroschisis

The baby's intestines are outside the belly

Gastroschisis (gas-troh-SKEE-sis) is an opening in the baby's belly wall next to the belly button.

Some intestines pass through it. The intestines then float in the fluid around the baby.

There is no sac over the intestines. The cord is next to the opening.

The cause is often not known. The chance of it happening again is low.

Medical teaching picture of a baby with loops of intestine outside the belly through an opening beside the umbilical cord.
Gastroschisis: intestines pass through an opening beside the belly button. Illustration Source: CDC.
Most babies with gastroschisis survive and grow wellAll babies need special care and surgery after birth.

What will be checked?

  • One ultrasound scan checks the whole baby.
  • More scans check growth, fluid, and the intestines. They are often done every 3 to 4 weeks.
  • Later, tests may check the baby's heart rate once or twice a week.
  • Your care team will make a plan for your baby.

Can it cause problems?

Most cases are simple. This means the intestines are not badly hurt. In complex cases, part of the intestines is blocked, twisted, has a hole, or is badly hurt.

The baby may grow slowly or be born early. A scan cannot find every problem. Call your care team if your baby moves less than usual. Also call for bleeding, leaking fluid, or signs of labor.

Chromosome testing

A chromosome problem is rare with gastroschisis. However, you may still be offered a visit with a gene expert. You may also be offered a test called amniocentesis. A thin needle takes fluid from around the baby.

The test may help more if a scan finds a problem in another body part. Testing is your choice.

Planning the birth

Plan birth at a hospital with a special baby unit and a children's surgeon. Before birth, you may meet the baby doctors and surgeon. They can tell you what to expect. If the baby is well, many centers plan birth at 37 to 38 weeks. Birth may be sooner if a problem starts.

Birth through the vagina is often safe. Gastroschisis alone does not require a C-section.

What happens after birth?

The intestines are covered and kept warm. A tube drains the stomach. Fluids and food are given through a vein.

The intestines may be put into the belly during surgery. A soft pouch called a silo may be used to move them in slowly over a few days.

Feeding and going home

The intestines need time to heal and move food. At first, food is given through a vein. Feeding may start when the intestines work. The baby gets a small amount of breast milk or formula. More is given each day.

Many babies stay in the hospital for a few weeks. Complex cases may need more surgery and a longer stay. Most children later eat, grow, and play like other children. Some need help with feeding or growth. A blocked intestine can happen later and may need care.

Key messagePlan birth at a hospital with a special baby unit and children's surgery. This may keep your baby from being moved after birth.
Support: The Global Gastroschisis Foundation links families to help and to other families. Your hospital may know of local help.

For learning only. This handout does not replace care from your doctor or your baby's doctor. Your care plan may be different. Updated September 2026.

References
  • ISUOG: Gastroschisis patient information
  • CDC: About Gastroschisis
  • UCSF Fetal Treatment Center: Gastroschisis
  • The Global Gastroschisis Foundation
  • ACOG Committee Opinion 828: Indications for Outpatient Antenatal Fetal Surveillance
  • ACOG Committee Opinion 682: Microarrays and Next-Generation Sequencing Technology
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  • Sparks TN, Shaffer BL, Page J, Caughey AB. Gastroschisis: mortality risks with each additional week of expectant management. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2017;216:66.e1-66.e7.
  • South AP, Stutey KM, Meinzen-Derr J. Meta-analysis of the prevalence of intrauterine fetal death in gastroschisis. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2013;209:114.e1-114.e13.
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  • Amin R, et al. National practice patterns for prenatal monitoring in gastroschisis: Gastroschisis Outcomes of Delivery provider survey. Fetal Diagn Ther. 2019;45:125-130. doi:10.1159/000487541.
  • Lamoshi A. Current practice for gastroschisis prenatal surveillance among Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine members. Bull Natl Res Cent. 2022;46:93. doi:10.1186/s42269-022-00785-1.
  • Ferreira RG, et al. Ultrasound markers for complex gastroschisis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Clin Med. 2021;10:5215. doi:10.3390/jcm10225215.