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Amniotic band syndrome (ABS)

Updated October 7, 2026

Amniotic band sequence, Constriction band, Amniotic band disruption complex, Aberrant tissue bands

Topics: Musculoskeletal
Languages: English

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English (PDF)Updated October 7, 2026

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How to cite this entry

Moriarty KL, Odackal NJ, Cortezzo D. Amniotic band syndrome (ABS). In: Atlas of Fetal Pathology [Internet]. 2026 Oct 7 [cited 2026 Oct 15]. Available from: https://fetalatlas.org/entry/amniotic-band-syndrome/

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Key notes

Occurs when the fibrous membranes derived from the amniotic sac become wrapped around the baby
Has an unknown cause, and can be mild to very severe depending on the timing and area affected
After birth, your baby will receive specialized care with ongoing follow-up as needed

What this means for your baby

The bands can cause no harm or be very serious, depending on what they wrap around, how tightly, and when
You will have frequent ultrasounds to monitor your baby's growth and the bands
Your baby will be delivered at a hospital with a level III or IV NICU

Collaborators

References

Ferrer-Marquez F, Peiro JL, Tonni G, Ruano R. Fetoscopic release of amniotic bands based on the evidence: a systematic review. Prenat Diagn. 2024 Sep;44(10):1231-41. doi: 10.1002/pd.6636Link
Crombleholme TM, Lim FY, Peiro JL, Simpson L, Rintoul NE, editors. Fetal and neonatal surgery and medicine. New York: McGraw Hill; 2024.Link
Woodward PJ. Diagnostic imaging: obstetrics. 4th ed. Philadelphia: Elsevier; 2021.Link