
The diaphragm is the muscle between the chest and belly that helps you breathe. A hernia is a hole or weak spot in a muscle.
What is a diaphragmatic hernia?
A diaphragmatic hernia is a hole or weak spot in the diaphragm that allows organs in the belly to bulge into the chest.
If the abdominal organs push into the chest before birth, the lung on that side may not develop normally. If the abdominal organs push into the chest after birth, your baby will have a hard time breathing.
What causes a diaphragmatic hernia?
How can doctors tell if my child has a diaphragmatic hernia?
Doctors may find a diaphragmatic hernia before your baby’s birth during a routine ultrasound. After birth, doctors do a chest x-ray.