<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>> October 20 Susan Owens wrote: What is Beckwith Wiedemann Syndrome? This was in response to my questioning if anyone knows of a connection between celiac and this syndrome. In brief, Beckwith Wiedemann is a rare congenital birth defect characterized by omphalacele (an opening in the abdomen, with intestine exposed), large eyes and tongue, and excess amniotic fluid in the mother during pregnancy. There are other characteristics, but these are the most "visible". My question was prompted by the thread on spina bifida and folic acid deficiency in the mother. Both spina bifida and Beckwith Wiedemann are neural tube defects. From a lay standpoint, they are similar in that one has the opening, if you will, in the front (spina bifida) and the other in the front (BW). Linda