Medical Conditions

My Baby Has Gastroschisis

Medically reviewed by Dr. Michael Okonkwo, MD, FAAP · Board-Certified Neonatologist

Content reviewed against published CDC, NIH, Children's Hospital guidelines

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If your baby has been diagnosed with or you suspect has gastroschisis, here is what the evidence says.

The short answer

Gastroschisis is a birth defect where the baby's intestines (and sometimes other organs) extend outside the body through a hole in the abdominal wall, usually to the right of the umbilical cord. Unlike omphalocele, there is no protective membrane covering the organs. It is typically detected on prenatal ultrasound around 18-20 weeks. Surgical repair is performed within hours of birth, and the majority of babies do very well after treatment.

Key takeaways

  • Gastroschisis is a birth defect where the baby's intestines (and sometimes other organs) extend outside the body through a hole in the abdominal wall, usually to the right of the umbilical cord. Unlike omphalocele, there is no protective membrane covering the organs. It is typically detected on prenatal ultrasound around 18-20 weeks. Surgical repair is performed within hours of birth, and the majority of babies do very well after treatment.
  • Usually normal when: Gastroschisis was detected on prenatal ultrasound and you are being followed by a maternal-fetal medicine specialist and pediatric surgeon
  • Call your doctor if: Your baby has bilious (green) vomiting, which could indicate a bowel obstruction
  • Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
“Fever itself is not an illness — rather, it is a sign or symptom that the body is fighting an infection. Fever stimulates certain defenses, such as the white blood cells, which attack and destroy invading bacteria.”
— Fever and Your Child, American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)

This is one of the most common questions parents ask. Searching for answers means you care.

What Parents Should Know

According to CDC, NIH, Children's Hospital guidelines, gastroschisis is a birth defect where the baby's intestines (and sometimes other organs) extend outside the body through a hole in the abdominal wall, usually to the right of the umbilical cord. Unlike omphalocele, there is no protective membrane covering the organs. It is typically detected on prenatal ultrasound around 18-20 weeks. Surgical repair is performed within hours of birth, and the majority of babies do very well after treatment. At Prenatal, gastroschisis is usually diagnosed on a routine anatomy scan ultrasound at 18-20 weeks. You will be referred to a maternal-fetal medicine specialist and a pediatric surgeon for counseling. Delivery is planned at a center with a neonatal intensive care unit and pediatric surgery. Serial ultrasounds monitor bowel dilation and growth. Vaginal delivery is often possible. The incidence has been rising, particularly among younger mothers, though the exact cause remains unknown. It is generally considered normal when gastroschisis was detected on prenatal ultrasound and you are being followed by a maternal-fetal medicine specialist and pediatric surgeon. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if your baby has bilious (green) vomiting, which could indicate a bowel obstruction.

Sources: [1], [2], [3]

Normal vs. Concerning

Usually Normal
Worth Discussing
Gastroschisis was detected on prenatal ultrasound and you are being followed by a maternal-fetal medicine specialist and pediatric surgeon
Your baby has bilious (green) vomiting, which could indicate a bowel obstruction
Your baby had successful surgical repair and is gradually tolerating feeds in the NICU
Your baby has a distended, firm, or tender abdomen with irritability
Your baby is gaining weight and feeding well after discharge
Your baby stops stooling and develops vomiting, which may indicate an adhesive obstruction
Your baby is meeting developmental milestones at expected ages
Your baby has signs of infection at the surgical site: redness, swelling, drainage, or fever

When to Seek Immediate Care

  • Your baby has bilious (green) vomiting, which could indicate a bowel obstruction
  • Your baby has a distended, firm, or tender abdomen with irritability
  • Your baby stops stooling and develops vomiting, which may indicate an adhesive obstruction
  • Your baby has signs of infection at the surgical site: redness, swelling, drainage, or fever
  • Your baby develops feeding intolerance with significant vomiting after previously feeding well

By Age

What to expect by age

Prenatal

Gastroschisis is usually diagnosed on a routine anatomy scan ultrasound at 18-20 weeks. You will be referred to a maternal-fetal medicine specialist and a pediatric surgeon for counseling. Delivery is planned at a center with a neonatal intensive care unit and pediatric surgery. Serial ultrasounds monitor bowel dilation and growth. Vaginal delivery is often possible. The incidence has been rising, particularly among younger mothers, though the exact cause remains unknown.

0-1 week

Immediately after birth, the exposed intestines are covered with a sterile, moist dressing to prevent heat and fluid loss. If all the bowel fits back in the abdomen, primary closure surgery is performed within hours. If the abdominal cavity is too small, a silo (a temporary pouch) is placed over the intestines, and the bowel is gradually reduced back into the abdomen over several days before final closure. Your baby will be in the NICU during this time.

1-4 weeks

After surgical closure, the bowel needs time to "wake up" and begin functioning. This period of intestinal dysmotility is common. Your baby will be fed intravenously (TPN) until the intestines start working. Feedings are introduced very slowly, starting with small amounts of breast milk or formula. Some babies take days, others take weeks, to tolerate full feeds. Patience is key during this phase.

1-6 months

Most babies with simple gastroschisis are feeding well and growing by this point. Some babies with complex gastroschisis (where the bowel was damaged, twisted, or had areas of atresia) may take longer to achieve full feeds. Rarely, short bowel syndrome can result if significant bowel was lost. Follow-up with your pediatric surgeon and pediatrician will monitor feeding, growth, and any complications.

6 months+

Long-term outcomes for gastroschisis are excellent for the majority of children. Most achieve normal growth, development, and bowel function. The surgical scar fades over time. Some children may have an increased risk of adhesive bowel obstruction later in life. Regular pediatric follow-up is important, but most children lead completely normal lives with no lasting effects.

What to Tell Your Pediatrician

  • Describe when you first noticed has gastroschisis and how it has changed over time.
  • Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
  • Mention if your baby seems to have feeding difficulties or is not gaining weight as expected after discharge.
  • Mention if you notice abdominal distension or your baby seems uncomfortable after feeding.
  • Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
  • Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.

What Should You Do?

When to take action

Probably normal when...
  • Gastroschisis was detected on prenatal ultrasound and you are being followed by a maternal-fetal medicine specialist and pediatric surgeon
  • Your baby had successful surgical repair and is gradually tolerating feeds in the NICU
  • Your baby is gaining weight and feeding well after discharge
  • Your baby is meeting developmental milestones at expected ages
  • The surgical scar is healing normally
Mention at your next visit when...
  • Your baby seems to have feeding difficulties or is not gaining weight as expected after discharge
  • You notice abdominal distension or your baby seems uncomfortable after feeding
  • You have questions about follow-up care or future surgical risks
  • You are concerned about the appearance of the surgical scar
Act now when...
  • Your baby has bilious (green) vomiting, which could indicate a bowel obstruction
  • Your baby has a distended, firm, or tender abdomen with irritability
  • Your baby stops stooling and develops vomiting, which may indicate an adhesive obstruction
  • Your baby has signs of infection at the surgical site: redness, swelling, drainage, or fever
  • Your baby develops feeding intolerance with significant vomiting after previously feeding well

What You Can Do at Home

  • Keep track of when you notice has gastroschisis — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
  • Remember that gastroschisis was detected on prenatal ultrasound and you are being followed by a maternal-fetal medicine specialist and pediatric surgeon — this is generally within the range of normal.
  • At Prenatal, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
  • Follow any care instructions from your pediatrician. Keep a written log of symptoms to bring to appointments.
  • While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if your baby has bilious (green) vomiting, which could indicate a bowel obstruction.

My Baby Has an Omphalocele

An omphalocele is a birth defect where abdominal organs (intestines, liver, or other organs) protrude into the base of the umbilical cord, covered by a thin membrane. It differs from gastroschisis in that the organs are covered by a protective sac and the defect is located at the umbilicus. Omphalocele is associated with chromosomal abnormalities and cardiac defects in up to 50% of cases, so thorough genetic testing and cardiac evaluation are recommended. Small omphaloceles are repaired surgically soon after birth, while giant omphaloceles may require staged repair.

20-Week Anatomy Scan Unexpected Findings

The 20-week anatomy scan checks your baby's major organs, structures, and growth. Most scans are completely normal. When unexpected findings are identified, they range from minor variants that resolve on their own to conditions that need further evaluation. Many findings require nothing more than a follow-up ultrasound to confirm the baby is developing well.

Milestone

Month-by-Month Development

Detailed monthly development guides from birth through 24 months.

Guide

When to Call the Doctor

General guide on when to call the pediatrician, visit urgent care, or go to the ER.

Frequently asked questions

Is has gastroschisis normal?
Gastroschisis is a birth defect where the baby's intestines (and sometimes other organs) extend outside the body through a hole in the abdominal wall, usually to the right of the umbilical cord. Unlike omphalocele, there is no protective membrane covering the organs. It is typically detected on prenatal ultrasound around 18-20 weeks. Surgical repair is performed within hours of birth, and the majority of babies do very well after treatment.
When should I call the doctor about has gastroschisis?
Your baby has bilious (green) vomiting, which could indicate a bowel obstruction Your baby has a distended, firm, or tender abdomen with irritability Your baby stops stooling and develops vomiting, which may indicate an adhesive obstruction
When is has gastroschisis normal?
Gastroschisis was detected on prenatal ultrasound and you are being followed by a maternal-fetal medicine specialist and pediatric surgeon Your baby had successful surgical repair and is gradually tolerating feeds in the NICU Your baby is gaining weight and feeding well after discharge
What causes has gastroschisis?
Gastroschisis is a birth defect where the baby's intestines (and sometimes other organs) extend outside the body through a hole in the abdominal wall, usually to the right of the umbilical cord. Unlike omphalocele, there is no protective membrane covering the organs. It is typically detected on prenatal ultrasound around 18-20 weeks. Surgical repair is performed within hours of birth, and the majority of babies do very well after treatment. Common explanations include: Gastroschisis was detected on prenatal ultrasound and you are being followed by a maternal-fetal medicine specialist and pediatric surgeon. Your baby had successful surgical repair and is gradually tolerating feeds in the NICU.
What should I mention to my pediatrician about has gastroschisis?
You should mention has gastroschisis at your next visit if: Your baby seems to have feeding difficulties or is not gaining weight as expected after discharge. You notice abdominal distension or your baby seems uncomfortable after feeding. You have questions about follow-up care or future surgical risks.
Is has gastroschisis normal at Prenatal?
Gastroschisis is usually diagnosed on a routine anatomy scan ultrasound at 18-20 weeks. You will be referred to a maternal-fetal medicine specialist and a pediatric surgeon for counseling. Delivery is planned at a center with a neonatal intensive care unit and pediatric surgery. Serial ultrasounds monitor bowel dilation and growth. Vaginal delivery is often possible. The incidence has been rising, particularly among younger mothers, though the exact cause remains unknown.
Is has gastroschisis normal at 0-1 week?
Immediately after birth, the exposed intestines are covered with a sterile, moist dressing to prevent heat and fluid loss. If all the bowel fits back in the abdomen, primary closure surgery is performed within hours. If the abdominal cavity is too small, a silo (a temporary pouch) is placed over the intestines, and the bowel is gradually reduced back into the abdomen over several days before final closure. Your baby will be in the NICU during this time.
Should I go to the ER for has gastroschisis?
Seek emergency care if your baby has bilious (green) vomiting, which could indicate a bowel obstruction, or if your baby has a distended, firm, or tender abdomen with irritability. When in doubt, call your pediatrician's after-hours line for guidance.
Does has gastroschisis go away on its own?
In many cases, has gastroschisis resolves on its own, especially when gastroschisis was detected on prenatal ultrasound and you are being followed by a maternal-fetal medicine specialist and pediatric surgeon. By 6 months+, long-term outcomes for gastroschisis are excellent for the majority of children. Most achieve normal growth, development, and bowel function. The surgical scar fades over time. Some children may have an increased risk of adhesive bowel obstruction later in life. Regular pediatric follow-up is important, but most children lead completely normal lives with no lasting effects.
CDCNIHCHILDREN'S HOSPITAL

References

  1. [1]Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Facts about Gastroschisis. Birth Defects, 2024. CDC
  2. [2]National Institutes of Health. Gastroschisis. Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD), 2024. NIH
  3. [3]Boston Children's Hospital. Gastroschisis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment. Children's Hospital

Doctor Visit Checklist

Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss My Baby Has Gastroschisis.

Things to mention

  • Describe when you first noticed has gastroschisis and how it has changed over time.
  • Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
  • Mention if your baby seems to have feeding difficulties or is not gaining weight as expected after discharge.
  • Mention if you notice abdominal distension or your baby seems uncomfortable after feeding.
  • Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
  • Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.

Observations to share

  • Your baby seems to have feeding difficulties or is not gaining weight as expected after discharge
  • You notice abdominal distension or your baby seems uncomfortable after feeding
  • You have questions about follow-up care or future surgical risks

Urgent signs to report immediately

  • Your baby has bilious (green) vomiting, which could indicate a bowel obstruction
  • Your baby has a distended, firm, or tender abdomen with irritability
  • Your baby stops stooling and develops vomiting, which may indicate an adhesive obstruction

My notes

From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides

All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.

2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources5 medical advisory board members

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Bottom line

Most cases of has gastroschisis are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if your baby has bilious (green) vomiting, which could indicate a bowel obstruction.

Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.

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An omphalocele is a birth defect where abdominal organs (intestines, liver, or other organs) protrude into the base of the umbilical cord, covered by a thin membrane. It differs from gastroschisis in that the organs are covered by a protective sac and the defect is located at the umbilicus. Omphalocele is associated with chromosomal abnormalities and cardiac defects in up to 50% of cases, so thorough genetic testing and cardiac evaluation are recommended. Small omphaloceles are repaired surgically soon after birth, while giant omphaloceles may require staged repair.

20-Week Anatomy Scan Unexpected Findings

The 20-week anatomy scan checks your baby's major organs, structures, and growth. Most scans are completely normal. When unexpected findings are identified, they range from minor variants that resolve on their own to conditions that need further evaluation. Many findings require nothing more than a follow-up ultrasound to confirm the baby is developing well.

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