Signs and Symptoms of CDH

Almost all cases of CDH are diagnosed during routine prenatal (pregnancy) ultrasounds. Your OB/GYN may notice a possible issue on your ultrasound – such as a mass – in your developing baby’s chest and refer you to a Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM) specialist for additional ultrasound tests, consultation and fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

If your baby is diagnosed with CDH during pregnancy, you will need to plan to deliver at a hospital with a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) experienced in caring for babies with CDH, like Orlando Health Winnie Palmer. After birth, your baby may experience serious complications, needing the care of an experienced neonatologist.

Symptoms and complications of CDH after birth can include:

• Abdomen (belly) that appears to be caved in
• Cyanosis (blueish tint to the skin)
• Fast breathing
• Fast heart rate
• Fluctuations in blood pressure
• Low blood oxygen levels 
• Trouble breathing