Echoic bowel is a prenatal condition that can indicate an obstruction in the fetus’s intestines, often discovered during an ultrasound in the second trimester. It can be a normal occurrence or indicate a genetic disorder. Amniocentesis is commonly performed to test for chromosomal defects.
Echoic bowel is a prenatal condition indicating an obstruction in the fetus’s intestines. Also called echogenic bowel, the abnormality is discovered through an obstetric ultrasound commonly performed during the second trimester of pregnancy. In some cases, echoic bowel is a normal occurrence caused when the fetus ingests blood in the amniotic fluid; iron in the blood accumulates in the intestines. If the condition persists into the third trimester of pregnancy, it could indicate a genetic disorder such as Down syndrome or cystic fibrosis.
An ultrasound shows the echogenic bowel as a white area, commonly appearing brighter than the fetus’s bones. Normal fetal intestines appear black or dark gray on ultrasound. A blocked intestine can begin to twist or hole, leading to an infection. About one in 10 babies with echogenic bowel in the third trimester of pregnancy are born with cystic fibrosis.
As the fetus develops in the uterus, the intestines usually enlarge as the fetus swallows amniotic fluid. Any fecal material that blocks the intestines, called echogenic meconium, is usually passed soon after birth. If it doesn’t, it could indicate an obstruction, especially if the baby’s abdomen is distended and vomiting is present. In some cases, an enema can clear the intestines. Sometimes emergency surgery is needed to correct the problem.
Amniocentesis is commonly performed when echoic bowel shows up on an ultrasound. During the procedure, a small amount of amniotic fluid is extracted using a fine needle inserted into the abdomen. The woman’s body replaces the fluid within hours of the test.
Amniotic fluid contains cells that keep dividing. After about 10 days, there are enough cells to start testing for chromosomal defects. Down syndrome is the most common genetic disease discovered during amniocentesis, especially if one or both parents are carriers of the gene that causes it. If a genetic disorder is present, additional bowel defects, such as bloating, usually occur.
Other conditions can cause prenatal development of an echogenic gut. A blockage could develop if the fetus doesn’t swallow enough amniotic fluid or if the placenta is damaged. A viral infection of the uterus could also lead to echogenic intestinal symptoms requiring antibody testing of the mother. Obstetricians regularly monitor the pregnancy via ultrasound when any of these signs exist. Genetic counseling is commonly offered to parents when a chromosomal defect is discovered.
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