Umbilical Hernias in Infants: Causes and Care Tips

Umbilical hernia in infants?

Hello, doctor.
My friend's child just turned one month old, but the area around the umbilical cord is more protruding.
What could be the reason for this, and what should we pay attention to?

Niming, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/06/15

Dr. Xiao Kaiwen reply Pediatrics

It is likely an infant umbilical hernia.
In most cases, it improves as the abdominal muscles become firmer before the age of one, so observation is sufficient.
It is important to avoid placing any external objects, such as coins, on it, as this only hides the issue and may pose a risk of infection.

Reply Date: 2018/06/15

More Info

Umbilical hernias in infants are a common condition, particularly in newborns and young children. They occur when a portion of the intestine protrudes through an opening in the abdominal muscles near the belly button (umbilicus). This condition is often characterized by a noticeable bulge at the site of the umbilicus, which may become more prominent when the baby cries, coughs, or strains.

Causes of Umbilical Hernias in Infants
1. Developmental Factors: During fetal development, the abdominal muscles do not completely close around the umbilical cord. This incomplete closure can lead to a weak spot in the abdominal wall, allowing tissue or intestine to push through.

2. Increased Pressure: Factors that increase abdominal pressure, such as crying, coughing, or straining during bowel movements, can exacerbate the hernia.

3. Genetic Predisposition: Some infants may be more prone to developing umbilical hernias due to genetic factors.

Care Tips for Parents
1. Observation: Most umbilical hernias in infants are small and may not require any treatment. They often close on their own by the time the child is 1 to 2 years old. Parents should monitor the hernia for any changes in size or appearance.

2. Avoid Straining: While it is normal for infants to cry, excessive crying can increase abdominal pressure and worsen the hernia. Parents can try to soothe their baby through gentle rocking, swaddling, or using pacifiers to help reduce crying.

3. Gentle Handling: When changing diapers or dressing the baby, be gentle around the umbilical area to avoid putting additional pressure on the hernia.

4. Consult a Pediatrician: Regular check-ups with a pediatrician are essential. During these visits, parents should mention the hernia so that the doctor can monitor its progress. If the hernia appears to be enlarging, becomes painful, or shows signs of complications (such as redness or swelling), immediate medical attention is necessary.

5. Surgical Consideration: In rare cases, if the hernia does not close on its own by the age of 4 or 5, or if it becomes incarcerated (where the tissue becomes trapped and cannot be pushed back), surgical intervention may be required. A pediatric surgeon can provide guidance on the best course of action.

Conclusion
In summary, umbilical hernias are generally benign and often resolve without intervention. Parents should keep an eye on the hernia and consult with their pediatrician during routine check-ups. By managing crying and ensuring gentle handling, parents can help minimize the risk of complications. If there are any concerns about the hernia's size or the baby's discomfort, seeking medical advice is always the best course of action.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Umbilical Swelling in Infants: Causes and Care Tips

My daughter is two weeks old, and her umbilical cord has gradually swollen to about the size of a small ping pong ball. I would like to ask the doctor about the cause of this and whether it will continue to swell. What should I pay attention to in daily care, and how can it be tr...

Dr. Lin Wenxian reply Pediatrics
Dear Mr. Lin, I am writing in response to your inquiry regarding your two-week-old infant who has a bulge at the umbilical area approximately the size of a ping pong ball. This condition is likely what is known as an umbilical hernia. Such cases are sometimes observed during inf...

Understanding Umbilical Hernias in Young Children: Risks and Recovery

The little boy was born with an umbilical protrusion, and the doctor diagnosed it as an umbilical hernia, advising observation. Now that he is 4 years old, the condition remains similar. What are the potential complications of an umbilical hernia? Could it lead to infertility? Is...

Dr. Xiao Kaiwen reply Pediatrics
Most umbilical hernias have a high chance of self-resolution by the age of one or two, so surgery is usually not necessary. However, if the hernia has not resolved by the age of two, surgical treatment may be considered, and it is advisable to consult an experienced pediatric sur...

Understanding Umbilical Hernia: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options

Hello Doctor: Last month, I noticed that there was an increase in the foam in my urine, and it took a long time to dissipate. Since I had a health check-up scheduled the following week, I did not seek medical attention immediately and decided to monitor my body for any changes. L...

Dr. Chen Jiaming reply Surgery
In general, a protruding umbilical mass can be evaluated using ultrasound to determine if it is a simple subcutaneous mass (such as a lipoma). If it is a hernia sac extending from the abdominal cavity, a defect in the underlying fascia can be observed. After all, most people'...

Understanding Infant Crying: Is It Related to Hernia Issues?

Hello doctor, I am the mother of the child. When my baby brother was born, the doctor said he had a hernia. After about six months, the doctor mentioned it would resolve on its own. However, from birth until now, he has been crying a lot for the past three months. I have changed ...

Dr. Xiao Kaiwen reply Pediatrics
Common reasons for a constantly crying baby: 1. Hunger, wet diaper, or needing comfort, 2. Fever, 3. Oral ulcers or severe thrush, 4. Foreign objects in the eyes, ears, or nose, 5. Inguinal hernia (umbilical hernia does not cause this), 6. Severe diaper rash, 7. Vaccine side effe...