adoptspecialneeds.org

FACTS:

• When a baby is developing inside her mother, she is in a fluid filled “bag of waters” called the amniotic sac.    This sac is made up of strong fibers that are usually hard to break.   Sometimes however, this sac will tear open, and the sticky strands can wrap around parts of the developing baby.   When this happens, amniotic banding can occur.    The most common effect of amniotic banding is seen when the fibers wrap around the arms, legs, fingers or toes.   The fibers cause a deep groove which looks like the baby has a tight rubber band on them.  If the banding during development is severe, it may even cause the complete amputation of the limb.  
  
• Amniotic Band Syndrome is a common birth defect. Children with amniotic banding can have conditions such as missing limbs, fused fingers and toes, hemangiomas, club feet, and cleft palate.
  
• This is a randomly occurring defect; it is not genetic.  Is it not inherited from the parents nor passed down to future children.
  
• Sometimes tight banding can impair circulation, causing areas below the band to be inflamed or swollen.
  
• There is no effect on intellect.   Children with ABS are normal in every other way.

TREATMENT:

• For missing limbs, fused digits, hemangioma, cleft palate, please see the corresponding sections for these treatment options.
  
• If a child has constriction bands on their body or extremities, please consult a physician.  Impaired circulation can often be improved with surgery to release the bands. In rare cases, amputation of a digit/limb may be the only option.