Body-Stalk Anomaly

Body-stalk anomaly is usually diagnosed by prenatal ultrasound in either the first 10-14 weeks of pregnancy or at approximately 16-20 weeks of pregnancy, depending on when a patient has an ultrasound performed. Malformed abdominal structures are usually visible on the images, as are abnormalities of the head, arms and legs.

Because the condition is almost always fatal, it's important to detect it as early as possible to give parents the option of early termination. After diagnosis, some parents may choose to allow the pregnancy to proceed without interruption.

As a parent, receiving the news that your baby has any birth defect — especially one that threatens his or her life — can be devastating. If you are facing a body-stalk anomaly prognosis, receiving support from the best fetal care team is imperative to safeguarding your physical and emotional health.

Because body-stalk anomaly has no known treatments, the Colorado Fetal Care Center focuses treatment for this condition on counseling and support for the expectant mother and family. Once doctors have explained the body-stalk anomaly prognosis to expectant parents, they will have the option to terminate the pregnancy or allow it to proceed naturally, knowing the baby will live for only a short time after delivery.