Management of a Case of Omphalocele in a Primigravida: A Case Report

Abstract

Omphalocele is a congenital abdominal wall defect at the umbilicus where abdominal organs are covered by a membrane. It results from abnormal midline development of the abdominal wall during early embryonic weeks (6th to 10th). We present a case of a 29-year-old primigravida, who attended her first antenatal checkup during 24 weeks of gestation. Ultrasound findings for 24 weeks revealed a live intrauterine fetus with normal cardiac activity but also identified a midline abdominal defect consistent with omphalocele, as bowel loops, colon, and liver were herniated into a sac. After clinical consultations, the patient and her family made the decision to terminate the pregnancy. Early detection of omphalocele helps to assess associated abnormalities and prepare for potential interventions after birth and ensure specialized care for the newborn.