An Omphalocele is a birth defect that occurs early in pregnancy, in which the abdominal wall does not close properly, and some or most of the abdominal organs protrude into the umbilical cord. It is estimated that a small Omphalocele occurs in 1 of every 5,000 pregnancies, and a large or giant Omphalocele occurs in 1 of every 10,000. This is typically diagnosed through an ultrasound. An omphalocele may be isolated, or may be associated with other defects and/or chromosomal abnormalities.
Despite the challenges a baby born with an omphalocele may face, there is much hope for them! Many babies who were born with omphalocele have survived and gone on to live happy, healthy lives. We need everyone's help to make sure that each family given this diagnosis knows that there are others like them.