The advantages accruing from the prenatal diagnosis of gastroschisis and omphalocele are outlined. The surgical management of each defect is discussed, including details of the various surgical options available at the time of the repair. Seventy-five cases with abdominal wall defects born between 1970 and 1984 without an antenatal diagnosis having been made are compared with 8 recent cases in whom an antenatal diagnosis was made. The early results suggest that antenatal diagnosis improves survival.