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Diaphragmatic Hernia
Background
The diaphragm is the muscular sheet that separates the chest from the abdomen. A congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a defect or hole in the diaphragm, which the bowel can pass through. Usually the diaphragm is fully formed by ten weeks of gestation (time in the womb), so any problem can be picked up on an 18-week ultrasound scan. The most common hole is on the left side, though they can occur on the right or at the front. Usually only part of the diaphragm is deficient, although an entire half-diaphragm may be missing. Babies are usually delivered normally, though some babies may need a caesarian section.
