PERINATOLOGY.comInformation for you about your pregnancy
Patient Handout

Omphalocele

Some organs are outside the belly in a thin sac

Omphalocele (uhm-FA-lo-seal) is an opening at the baby's belly button. An omphalocele happens when organs that should move into the baby's belly stay outside in a thin sac at the belly button.

The intestines, liver, or other organs may be outside the belly. A thin sac covers them. The cord joins the top of the sac.

It can be small or large. There is no single size rule. One over about 2 inches (5 cm) may be called a giant omphalocele. This is more likely when much of the liver is in the sac.

The cause is often not known. It is not caused by something a parent did.

Medical illustration of an omphalocele: organs extend through the belly button inside a covering sac.
Omphalocele: organs pass through the belly button and are covered by a sac. Illustration source: CDC.
Each baby is differentThe outlook depends most on the baby's other health problems and the size of the omphalocele.

What will be checked?

  • A detailed ultrasound checks the whole baby.
  • A special heart ultrasound checks the baby's heart.
  • More scans check growth, fluid, the sac, and which organs are inside it.
  • Later, tests may check the baby's heart rate.
  • Call your care team if your baby moves less than usual.

Are other problems common?

They can be. Doctors check the heart, brain, spine, kidneys, arms, and legs. The lungs may be small when the omphalocele is very large.

A chromosome or gene condition may also be present. Examples are an extra chromosome called trisomy 18 and a growth condition called Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome. The outlook is often good when no other problem is found.

Genetic testing

You should be offered a visit with a gene expert. CVS tests a small piece of the placenta. Amniocentesis tests fluid from around the baby. These tests can check the baby's chromosomes. A separate test may check for Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome.

These tests give more answers than a blood test. Testing is your choice.

Planning the birth

Plan birth at a hospital with a special baby unit and a children's surgeon. You may meet the team before birth.

A vaginal birth may be safe for a small omphalocele. Your doctor may advise a C-section if it is large or holds much of the liver. Your team will plan when and how to give birth.

What happens after birth?

The sac is covered and kept safe. A tube drains the stomach. Food and fluids are given through a vein. Some babies need help to breathe.

A small omphalocele may be closed soon after birth. A large one may be closed in steps. Sometimes the sac is treated first. Surgery may be done months later.

What is the outlook?

Babies with only a small omphalocele often do very well. A large one may mean a longer hospital stay. The baby may need more than one surgery. Help with breathing or feeding may be needed.

Health later in life depends most on other health or gene problems. Some children need care for feeding, growth, breathing, or a weak spot in the belly wall.

Key messageAsk what is inside the sac and whether any other problem was found. These facts guide care and the outlook.
Support: Omphalocele.net connects families and people born with omphalocele.

For learning only. This handout does not replace care from your doctor or your baby's doctor. Your care plan may be different. Updated September 2026.

References