Can you treat duodenal atresia before birth?

Can you treat duodenal atresia before birth?

Healthcare providers cannot treat duodenal atresia until after a baby is born. However, if they detect duodenal atresia before birth, they can take extra steps to lower the risk of birth complications.

For example, too much amniotic fluid buildup can increase the risk of preterm labor. If necessary, your provider may use amnioreduction. This procedure removes some excess amniotic fluid.

Your healthcare provider will also be able to offer prenatal counseling and suggest delivery at a facility that can care for your baby. This may decrease age at diagnosis and surgery, reduce the time until the baby is able to tolerate full feeds by mouth, reduce hospital length of stay and avoid common problems with fluid and electrolyte management.