Gastroschisis is a congenital defect in the abdominal wall that is typically located to the right of the umbilicus. The intestines, and sometimes parts of the liver and the stomach, also protrude into the amniotic space. Unlike in omphaloceles, these visceral organs do not have a covering sac and are directly exposed to the amniotic fluid. The organs show variable degrees of inflammatory changes and scarring. In this review, we have summarized currently available information on the anatomical changes in the intestine directly exposed to the amniotic fluid, the etiopathogenesis, treatment, and prognosis.