From Newsweek · · 1m 20s
Pregnant Woman Discovers Baby Missing Hands
Doctor finds baby missing hands during 20-week scan.
In brief
Doctor finds baby missing hands during 20-week scan. Vani Garcia's son William was born without hands due to amniotic band syndrome, now thriving at age two with adaptive skills. Originally reported by Newsweek.
20-Week Scan Reveals Missing Hands
Vani Garcia, a Florida mom of three, expected a regular ultrasound during her third pregnancy but discovered her unborn son William lacked hands during the 20-week anatomy scan.
“we do not see any hands in the ultrasound”
Doctor's Initial Shock
The doctor stated William would be born without hands, a rare finding that stunned Garcia and her husband, who had seen hands in prior ultrasounds.
“it was the doctor’s medical opinion that our son would be born without hands”
Second Opinion Confirms Hand
A private ultrasound later revealed William had a right hand, and hospital follow-up confirmed the limb difference was not genetic.
“we were told he had a right hand”
Amniocentesis Tests for Cause
Garcia underwent amniocentesis to test 93 genetic markers, finding the cause was an amniotic band that stopped blood flow during fetal development.
“on his left arm there was an amniotic band that wrapped around what would’ve been his hand”
William Thrives at Age Two
William, now two, uses his wrist bone to grasp objects and plays with Nerf guns, though his left hand lacks fingers and bones.
“he can do puzzles and he can play”
Family's Hope for William
Garcia shares William's story to encourage expectant mothers, emphasizing that his condition does not limit his potential or future activities.
“my hope is that he goes on to engage in sports and anything that his little heart desires”
What it means
Vani Garcia's son William was born without hands due to amniotic band syndrome, now thriving at age two with adaptive skills.
