How to Pronounce Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia

Say it like this: kon-JEN-ih-tal dy-ah-FRAG-mat-ik HER-nee-ah. The stress (loudest part) falls on the second syllable of the first word: kon-JEN-ih-tal. Then continue with dy-ah-FRAG-mat-ik, stressing the third syllable, and finish with HER-nee-ah, stressing the first syllable.

Many people stress the first syllable and say CON-jen-ih-tal instead of kon-JEN-ih-tal. Others rush through the middle part and skip syllables in 'diaphragmatic,' so remember to say all five syllables clearly: dy-ah-FRAG-mat-ik.

Sure! Congenital breaks into 4 syllables: con-GEN-i-tal. Diaphragmatic breaks into 5: di-a-phrag-MAT-ic. Hernia breaks into 3: HER-ni-a. Putting it together: con-GEN-i-tal / di-a-phrag-MAT-ic / HER-ni-a.

'Congenital' comes from Latin and means 'present from birth.' 'Diaphragm' is from Greek and refers to the muscle that separates your chest from your belly. 'Hernia' is a Latin word meaning 'rupture' or 'a pushing through.' So the term literally describes a rupture in the birth-present chest-belly divider.

You could say 'birth defect of the diaphragm' or 'hole in the diaphragm present at birth.' The key idea is that it's something wrong with the muscle that separates your chest and stomach area, and it's there from the moment a baby is born.

Yes, doctors often write 'CDH' as shorthand for congenital diaphragmatic hernia. You would say each letter separately: C-D-H. You'll see this abbreviation used in medical notes and discussions.

'Diaphragmatic' (dy-ah-frag-MAT-ik) is the adjective form you use to describe something related to the diaphragm. You might also hear 'diaphragm' used on its own when talking about the muscle itself. All these words come from the same Greek root meaning 'to separate.'

You might say: 'The ultrasound showed signs of congenital diaphragmatic hernia.' Or: 'Doctors are familiar with treating congenital diaphragmatic hernia in newborns.' The term is used when referring to this specific birth defect.