Fetal

Alan W. Flake, MD, FACS, FAAP

What is oligohydramnios?

What is selective intrauterine growth restriction (sIUGR)?

The Great Candy Run is an event to raise funds for and awareness of fetal syndromes and is coming to the land of 10,000 lakes. Participants and spectators alike will enjoy the fun and fast 5K course designed with walkers and runners in mind, a family festival featuring games, activity stations, face painting, great refreshments, giveaways and much more.

Intestinal atresia (ah-TREE-zha) is a term used to describe a broad spectrum of birth defects that result in a blockage in either the small or large intestine.  During normal fetal development, the intestines remain unobstructed, allowing contents from the stomach to flow freely through the baby’s digestive tract (Figure 1). When a blockage (atresia) occurs, however, the intestines lose some or all of their ability to absorb nutrients and to push food and fluids through the baby’s digestive tract.

During normal fetal development the duodenum — the upper part of the small intestine — remains unobstructed, allowing contents from the stomach to flow freely through the baby’s digestive tract (Figure 1). Duodenal atresia (DWAH-de-nal ah-TREE-zha) is a condition that occurs when a portion of the duodenum doesn’t form. This condition results in a blockage (atresia) that stops food or fluid from leaving the baby’s stomach (Figure 2).

Tracheoesophageal fistula (TRAY-key-oh-ee-SOF-ah-GEE-all FIS-chu-la) and esophageal atresia (ee-SOF-ah-GEE-all ah-TREE-zha) are birth defects that affect parts of the upper digestive tract. Most of the time, these conditions occur together. Esophageal atresia repair and tracheoesophageal fistula repair are available at the Midwest Fetal Care Center.