What is a congenital diaphragmatic hernia primarily associated with?

A congenital diaphragmatic hernia is primarily associated with maternal smoking and vitamin A deficiency. Maternal smoking is recognized as a significant risk factor for various congenital anomalies, including congenital diaphragmatic hernia, due to the detrimental effects of tobacco exposure on fetal development. Additionally, vitamin A plays a crucial role in embryonic development, particularly in the formation of the diaphragm. A deficiency of this vitamin during pregnancy can disrupt normal growth and lead to the occurrence of such defects.

Understanding the associations is important in prenatal care and counseling. Maternal lifestyle choices and nutritional status can greatly impact fetal development, and recognizing these risk factors allows for better management and potentially preventive measures in high-risk pregnancies.