ABS is described as a congenital birth defect.

It is believed that it is due to a partial rupture of the amniotic sac, which causes stringy pieces of placenta to float around and entangle the developing baby.

It is thought that if affects in the UK approximatley 1 in 12,000 births, so it is classed as a rare defect. It is also thought that it may be the cause of just over 150 in 10,000 miscarriages.

ABS is difficult to detect before birth, beacause the individual strands are small and hard to see. It is thought that with a 3D scan it is easier to see these bands.

No there is nothing to suggest that abs is either hereditary or genetic, so it is unlikey that any subsequent pregnacies would be affected by ABS.