Prune belly syndrome is a group of birth abnormalities marked by three major findings:

• Lack of development of abdominal muscles, causing the skin of the belly area to wrinkle like a prune
• Undescended testicles
• Urinary tract problems

The underlying causes of prune belly syndrome are unknown. It affects mostly boys.

When in the womb, the developing baby's abdomen swells with fluid. That fluid disappears after birth, leading to a wrinkled abdomen that looks like a prune. The appearance is more noticeable because of the lack of enough abdominal muscles.

• Club foot or abnormal limbs (rare)
• Undescended testicles
• Wrinkled skin on belly area

Expectant mothers carrying affected infants may have varying degrees of oligohydramnios (not enough amniotic fluid), which make the infant likely to have lung problems.

An ultrasound done during pregnancy may show that the baby has a swollen bladder or enlarged kidney collecting structures.

In some cases, a pregnancy ultrasound may also help determine if the baby has:

• Heart problems
• Musculoskeletal abnormalities
• Stomach and intestinal problems
• Underdeveloped lungs

The following tests may be performed on the baby after birth to diagnose the condition:

• Blood tests
• Intravenous pyelogram (IVP)
• Ultrasound
• Voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG)
• X-ray