What is Gastroschisis?

Gastroschisis is a birth defect where a hole in the abdominal (belly) wall beside the belly button allows the baby’s intestines to extend outside of the baby’s body. The hole can be small or large and sometimes other organs, such as the stomach and liver, can be found outside of the baby’s body as well.

Gastroschisis occurs early during pregnancy. The hole is usually to the right side of the belly button. Because the intestines are not covered in a protective sac and are exposed to the amniotic fluid, they can become irritated, causing them to shorten, twist, or swell. Mothers younger than 20 are more likely to have a baby with gastroschisis than other mothers.

Content provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). For information and references about gastroschisis, please visit Facts about Gastroschisis | CDC ​.

Rates of Gastroschisis: 2018–2020​

Overall​

By Age

​By Race and Ethnicity

*Per 10,000 live births

**No cases in 2018–2020

Data Source: California Birth Defects Monitoring Program Registry, 2018–​2020, California 10-County Catchment Area (Fresno, Kern, Kings, Madera, Merced, Orange, San Diego, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, and Tulare)

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