What is Amniotic Band Syndrome?

ABS occurs when the fetus becomes entangled in fibrous string-like amniotic bands in the womb, restricting blood flow and affecting the baby’s development.

If a band wraps tightly around a limb, the limb can actually be completely amputated. If the band is across the baby’s face it can cause cleft 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. Just because a person already has one child with ABS, that doesn’t make it any more likely that it’s going to affect a future pregnancy.

Evan's Story

My son, Evan, was born with ABS affecting his left hand and with bi-lateral clubfeet. A band wrapped around Evan’s left hand, and as a result three of his fingers didn’t fully develop and they remained webbed (syndactyly). [read Evan's story]

About the ABS Website

In 1993 when Evan was born 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 Web site to share this with others.  Please keep in mind that I have no medical training and that the information provided here has been gleened from various sources.  Please, feel free to send me your story to add to the site ~ it's these personal stories that make this site special.

Join our ABS online community meet others who have been affected by Amniotic Band Syndrome and share your experiences and photos. You can also checkout these YouTube ABS video stories