When a baby’s lip and palate do not properly form before birth, this condition is known as cleft lip and palate. It is possible for a baby could be born with one, or both of these variations. Cleft lip occurs when the tissue that normally comprises the lip doesn’t completely form before birth. There will be a curve in the lip where it does not fully meet. Cleft lip … [Read more...] about When Your Baby Arrives with a Cleft Lip and Palate
Birth Defects
Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome
What is Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome? Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome or TTTS, a rare condition affecting identical twins, causes the two fetuses to get unequal blood supply. It can occur at any stage of pregnancy [1], leading to various congenital defects and even death of one or both twins. Other … [Read more...] about Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome
Amniotic Band Syndrome
What Is Amniotic Band Syndrome? Amniotic band syndrome or ABS occurs due to a pregnancy complication in which the fetus gets entangled with string-like amniotic bands. It hampers the growth and development of the baby by restricting the blood supply to certain body parts. ABS often leads to physical disabilities as well as congenital deformities – facial (eye, nose), … [Read more...] about Amniotic Band Syndrome
Hydrops Fetalis
Hydrops Fetalis Definition Hydrops fetalis (also referred to as fetal hydrops or simply hydrops) is a serious complication characterized by severe edema (fluid buildup) in multiple body areas of a fetus or a newborn infant. [1] In most cases, it is first observed during the second trimester (week 13 to 28) [2], but can also occur during the … [Read more...] about Hydrops Fetalis
Anencephaly
What is anencephaly? Anencephaly is a form of neural tube defect (NTD) that hampers the normal brain and skull development [1]. Babies affected by this condition are often stillborn or die within a few hours or days of birth. Anencephaly Pathophysiology The neural tube, a narrow layer of cells, ideally folds and closes in the first month (the third and fourth … [Read more...] about Anencephaly