BIRTH DEFECTS

Amniotic Band Syndrome  
Amniotic band syndrome is caused when the amnion, the inner layer of the placenta, breaks by chance. This causes amniotic fibrous bands to float in the amniotic fluid and potentially wrap around parts of the baby. Most commonly the bands will get entangled with the baby's arms, legs, fingers, and toes, although sometimes the bands can wrap around the baby's head or umbilical cord which can be life-threatening. The bands will partially constrict the blood flow in the affected appendage causing a deep groove in the baby's skin. Sometimes the constriction can be very severe causing amputation.

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Medical illustrations by MKIllustrations. MEDICAL ILLUSTRATION