An Omphalocele (um-fall-oh-seal) is a birth defect that occurs early in pregnancy in which the abdominal wall does not close properly leading many of the abdominal organs to 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. Typically diagnosed through ultrasound, Omphaloceles 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 are 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 other like them.