From
EUPSA/ERNICA
What is Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH)? An ERNICA animation for parents and families
Chapter 1 of 4 · Fundamentals
CDH definition
Definition and anatomy of congenital diaphragmatic hernia
Expert statements on this page
No expert statements were drawn from this page.
Host summaries · secondary, not cited in answers
Educational content from recorded physician discussions — not medical advice. Talk to your (or your child's) care team about your situation.
Video
Inside a FETO Procedure: Fetoscopic Balloon Tracheal Occlusion with Dr. Beth Rymeski
4 min · Published Jul 2026
Video
EUPSA - MicroRNAs in amniotic fluid stem cellextracellular vesicles modulate lung development in experimental congenital diaphragmatic hernia - Kasra Khalaj
10 min · Published May 2022
Video
CAPS - Administration of amniotic fluid stem cell extracellular vesicles regenerates the lung epithelium in fetal rats with CDH at translationally relevant developmental stages - Kasra Khalaj
7 min · Published May 2022
Video
EUPSA - Circular RNA profiles isolated from amniotic fluidscan distinguish between CDH survivors and non-survivers - Richard Wagner
9 min · Published May 2022
Video
Best of the Best in Pediatric Surgery Winner Announcement
8 min · Published Apr 2022
Video
BOB Ped Surg 2023 - Shelby Sferra, AAP - Presentation
5 min · Published Feb 2023
Video
What is Gastroschisis? An ERNICA animation for parents and families
2 min · Published Dec 2023
Video
What is Omphalocele? An ERNICA animation for parents and families
3 min · Published Dec 2023
Video
What is small bowel atresia?: An ERNICA animation for parents and families
4 min · Published Dec 2023
Video
Hirschsprung-associated enterocolitis in children: An ERNICA animation for parents and families
3 min · Published Dec 2023
Video
Surgical treatment for Hirschsprung’s Disease: An ERNICA animation for parents and families
3 min · Published Dec 2023
Video
How is Hirschsprung's Disease diagnosed? An ERNICA animation for parents and families
3 min · Published Dec 2023
What the experts said
The diaphragm is a muscle separating the chest from the abdomen.
In CDH, a baby's diaphragm does not form properly during pregnancy, resulting in an opening in the diaphragm.
The opening in CDH is most common on the left side of the diaphragm, but can be on the right side or both.
Abdominal contents such as the stomach, intestine, and/or liver can herniate through the diaphragmatic opening into the chest.
CDH is classed as a rare birth defect.
CDH can sometimes happen alongside other malformations, but in most cases it is sporadic.
The cause of CDH is largely unknown, but it has been associated with other rare genetic diseases.
The presence of abdominal contents in the chest impacts the growth and development of the baby's lungs, normally leading to small lungs (hypoplasia) and poor lung function.
CDH can affect the heart by pushing it out of its normal position and competing for space.
A diagnosis of CDH can be made before birth using ultrasound and MRI.
Ongoing care for babies with CDH should be provided at a specialist center by a dedicated team of professionals with knowledge and experience of CDH.
Some unborn babies with CDH may be suitable for surgical intervention before birth (fetal therapy) to support lung development.
Some babies with CDH may experience ongoing difficulties such as feeding difficulties that require different types and levels of care.
Identifying any complications or difficulties early in babies with CDH is very important.
CDH is a serious condition and can be life threatening before and after birth, but many babies do survive.
After birth, babies with CDH receive immediate care and assessment, then are transferred to a dedicated intensive care unit.
Babies with CDH require assistance with breathing and feeding and other intensive care support after birth.
When the baby is stable, surgery can take place to close the opening in the diaphragm.
The amount of time a baby with CDH will spend in hospital differs depending on the severity of the CDH, any complications, and how well they respond to treatment.
Follow-up care by a multidisciplinary team (MDT) of different clinical specialists is required for babies with CDH.