An umbilical hernia is a bulge you can feel or see on your child’s belly button. It develops when part of the intestine pushes through the muscle in the stomach wall. In most cases, the hernia does not cause any pain.
In rare cases, the intestines can get caught inside the hernia. This is called an incarcerated hernia and it can cause severe pain. This condition needs to be treated right away.
Umbilical hernias are common in children. They are more common in children born prematurely.
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What are the signs and symptoms of an umbilical hernia?
- A swelling or bulge in the belly button area
- The bulge may get larger if the child is crying
- Redness or pain at the bulge (incarcerated hernia)
What causes an umbilical hernia?
As a baby develops during pregnancy, the umbilical cord passes through a small opening in the muscles of the baby’s stomach wall to connect with the mother. Usually, this opening closes on its own after birth. When it doesn’t close properly, it can cause an umbilical hernia to form.
How is an umbilical hernia treated?
Doctors at Connecticut Children’s can determine the right plan if your child requires treatment for an umbilical hernia. In many cases, the umbilical hernia will close on its own by the time a child is 3 or 4 years old. If the hernia does not close, your child may need surgery to repair the hernia. At Connecticut Children’s, this surgery is often done as an outpatient procedure so your child can go home the same day.
During hernia repair surgery, your child is put under general anesthesia. The surgeon will make a small incision at the bottom of the belly button. The surgeon then pushes any intestine back inside the muscle wall and repairs the opening with stiches to prevent another hernia.