Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia

What is a congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH)?¹

A diaphragmatic hernia is a birth defect (an abnormality that occurs before birth) that develops as a fetus is forming in the mother's uterus. A congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) occurs when the diaphragm does not form properly. The diaphragm is a thin sheet of muscle that separates the abdomen from the chest. The diaphragm is an important muscle for breathing. When there is an opening in the diaphragm, organs that are normally in the abdomen can be pushed (herniated) through the opening into the chest. Currently little is known about why this birth defect occurs.

Visit any of the members of ACDHO for more information about Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia and resources for support  and research.

^{1.  Information from http://www.cdhgenetics.com/congential-diaphragmatic-hernia.cfm}

2. Graphic From