BIRTH DEFECTS

Diaphragmatic Hernia  
The diaphragm is a muscular wall separating the chest cavity from the abdominal cavity. A congenital diaphragmatic hernia occurs when the diaphragm is still forming while the baby is in the mother's womb. The diaphragm does not form correctly leaving a hole or opening in which contents of the abdomen can move into the chest cavity. The defect, or hole, is most often seen on the left side of the body, but may occur on the right side or central area as well. This defect is a problem because with other organs such as the intestines crowding the chest cavity, the lungs do not have space to expand and develop properly, leading to underdevelopement of the lungs.

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