What causes cloacal exstrophy?

What causes cloacal exstrophy?

Healthcare providers don’t know why some babies develop this condition. Something happens during the first trimester of pregnancy that causes a tissue known as the cloacal membrane to tear or rupture.

The cloaca (clo-AY-ka) is the area where the reproductive, digestive and urinary systems come together. The cloacal membrane typically separates the organs in these systems. When there’s a rupture, the abdominal wall doesn’t form completely. Organs don’t develop as they should or may connect incorrectly. Some organs poke through an abdominal opening.