# Pregnant Woman Discovers Baby Missing Hands

> Doctor finds baby missing hands during 20-week scan.
- Title: Pregnant Woman Discovers Baby Missing Hands · Newsweek
- Summary: 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…
- Keywords: vani garcia, william, amniotic band syndrome, limb difference, 20-week scan, pregnancy, nervous system, pediatric orthopedic surgeon, Pregnant, Woman, Discovers, Baby
- Source: Newsweek — https://newsweek.com/pregnant-woman-goes-to-20-week-scan-doctor-realizes-something-is-missing-12444120
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: vani garcia, william, amniotic band syndrome, limb difference, 20-week scan, pregnancy, nervous system, pediatric orthopedic surgeon
## 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
## Key takeaway

Vani Garcia's son William was born without hands due to amniotic band syndrome, now thriving at age two with adaptive skills.