Amniotic Band Syndrome - Amniotic Band Syndrome

Frequently Asked Questions

Bands have been found on my ultrasound. I've been told they aren't affecting the baby do I need to be concerned?
Band-like structures are frequently visualized on obstetric ultrasound. The vast majority of these are benign uterine synechia (an adhesion, or a fibrous scar also called amniotic sheets or amniotic folds) which have virtually no clinical relevance. For more on ultrasounds see www.obgyn.net.

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What did I do when I was pregnant to cause ABS?
What causes the early rupture of the amnion is still unknown and to date, no prenatal factors have been associated with ABS. It's natural to blame yourself, we've all been there, but it's not your fault.

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Do I need to be concerned about ABS affecting future pregnancies?
Amniotic Band Syndrome affects approximately 1:1200 live births. ABS is not genetic (i.e. not inherited). It is extremely unlikely that ABS will affect a future pregnancy. My second baby was not affected. So don't worry.

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Why have I never heard of ABS before?
ABS can cause a number of different anomalies depending on which body part(s) is affected. Cleft palate, clubfeet, amputations, and miscarriages may all be caused by ABS but not labelled as such. Parents may connect with support groups for the particular birth difference their child has rather than an ABS group. ABS has also gone by many different names and this has caused some confusion.

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How can I connect with other ABS families?
- visit the Amniotic Band Syndrome online community
- Here is a link to the Yahoo ABS group
- The Meetup site offers an ABS meetup
- There is a Facebook Group
- The ABS stories on this site each have an e-mail link to the parent or individual who submitted the story. If a story struck a cord with you send them an e-mail and they will in all likelihood respond and be glad to share their experience with you.
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