Most hernias occur in adults in the abdomen or groin as an organ pushes through the muscle or tissue. However, about 20% of infants are born with an umbilical hernia, when some of the baby’s intestines push through the abdominal wall through the belly button, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine.
With an umbilical hernia, the opening is in the middle of the belly button, at a part of the abdominal wall called the umbilical ring. During pregnancy, the umbilical cord flows through the umbilical ring to bring blood and nutrients to the developing baby. The umbilical ring should close shortly after birth. If it doesn’t close correctly, the intestines can poke through,” said Nemours KidsHealth.
An umbilical hernia is often viewed externally as a bulge near the belly button and may not even be seen unless a baby cries, coughs or strains their stomach muscles. Although this may look alarming, Mayo Clinic advises that it is typically harmless and not painful to the infant.
Typically, most health care providers will be able to diagnose an umbilical hernia through a physical examination. According to Nemours KidsHealth, a physician may be able “to massage the hernia back into its proper place in the abdomen, a reducible hernia.”
Most umbilical hernias will go away on their own in the first two years of life but may still subsist until children are about five years old. Typically, if the hernia is still there past the first four to five years of life, or if parents notice other symptoms before that time, they should call their doctor.
According to Nemours KidsHealth, these symptoms of the hernia can include:
* Gets larger, seems swollen, or is hard.
* Sticks out when your child is sleeping, calm, or lying down and you cannot push it back in.
* Child is very cranky or seems to be in pain
* Child has pain when you touch the hernia
* Skin over the hernia is red or looks darker
These symptoms can suggest complications from the hernia. Doctors will usually recommend surgery, which will take place under general anesthesia.“
Under general anesthesia, a small incision is made in the belly button. The loop of intestine is placed back into the abdominal cavity, and the incision closed,” said Johns Hopkins Medicine.
The incision is closed with sutures that will fall away on their own in 7-10 days. The surgery is usually an outpatient procedure so your child can return home the same day.
“Most children are able to eat regular food after surgery, return to school in 3-4 days after surgery, and return to sports in 2-4 weeks after surgery,” said HealthyChildren.org. “Your child’s surgeon will give you instructions specific for your child.”
While it may sound or look serious, umbilical hernias are not a cause of concern for children and their parents, and most can be treated easily if needed. If you suspect that your child is having complications from an umbilical hernia, contact your health care provider immediately.
RELATED ARTICLES:
How to Know if Your Baby is Eating Enough