Omphalocele
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 6, 2024.
An omphalocele is a congenital condition that causes your baby's intestines or other organs to form outside his or her body. The organs stay in a clear sac called the peritoneum after he or she is born. The umbilical cord is attached to the top of the sac. An omphalocele forms when the baby's abdominal wall does not close completely during pregnancy. Your baby's omphalocele may be mild or severe. Mild means only some intestines are involved. Severe means some organs in his or her chest may be involved in addition to abdominal organs. Your baby may also have heart problems or other congenital conditions.
DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Seek care immediately if:
- Your baby has a fever.
- Your baby has green or yellow vomit.
Call your baby's doctor if:
- Your baby has fewer bowel movements than usual or has feeding problems.
- Your baby has a swollen abdomen or is vomiting.
- Your baby is crying more than usual, fussy, or difficult to comfort.
- You have questions or concerns about your baby's condition or care.
Medicines:
- Antibiotic cream or ointment may be given to prevent or fight a bacterial infection. Your baby's healthcare provider will show you how to apply the medicine to the skin covering the omphalocele. The provider will tell you how often to apply it.
- Give your child's medicine as directed. Contact your child's healthcare provider if you think the medicine is not working as expected. Tell the provider if your child is allergic to any medicine. Keep a current list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs your child takes. Include the amounts, and when, how, and why they are taken. Bring the list or the medicines in their containers to follow-up visits. Carry your child's medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
Manage your baby's omphalocele:
You may be able to care for your baby at home while you are waiting for the omphalocele to be treated. Healthcare providers will show you how to handle, dress, and bathe your baby. They will show you how to change your baby's diapers. They will also show you how to change bandages and apply medicines to the skin covering the omphalocele.
Prevent an omphalocele in a future pregnancy:
- Take prenatal vitamins as directed. Folic acid helps prevent congenital conditions such as omphalocele. Make sure the vitamins contain 400 micrograms of folic acid.
- Do not smoke cigarettes or drink alcohol while you are pregnant. If you currently use cigarettes or alcohol, ask your healthcare provider for information on quitting before you become pregnant.
- Maintain a healthy weight. Ask your provider what a healthy weight is for you. Your obstetrician may tell you how much weight is healthy to gain during your pregnancy. Healthcare providers can help you create healthy meal and activity plans.
- Talk to your obstetrician about medicines during pregnancy. Your obstetrician may give you a list of medicines that are safe during pregnancy.
Follow up with your baby's doctor as directed:
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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