Amniotic Band Syndrome occurs when the unborn baby (fetus) becomes entangled in fibrous string-like amniotic bands in the womb, restricting blood flow and affecting the baby’s development.
Amniotic Band Syndrome can cause a number of different birth defects depending on which body part(s) is affected. If a band wraps tightly around a limb, the limb can actually be completely amputated. The baby may be born missing fingers, toes, part of an arm or leg. If the band is across the baby’s face it can cause cleft lip and palate. In a large number of cases the baby is also born with clubfeet. ABS is also the cause of numerous miscarriages, such as when a band becomes wrapped around the umbilical cord.
ABS occurs randomly. It’s not genetic, nor is it caused by anything a pregnant Mom did or didn’t do during pregnancy. To date, no prenatal factors have been associated with ABS. It is extremely unlikely that ABS will affect a future pregnancy.
Our Story
Our first child was born in 1993 with ABS affecting the left hand and with bilateral clubfeet. A band wrapped around the left hand, and as a result, three fingers didn’t fully develop and they remained webbed (syndactyly).
In 1993 we had never heard of Amniotic Band Syndrome. The Internet was just a baby at that time too and I didn’t know where to find the information I needed. I’ve learned a lot about ABS over the years so I developed this website to share this with others.
Keep in mind that I have no medical training. Please consult a medical professional for diagnosis and treatment recommendations.
Share your Story
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