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What Is An Umbilical Hernia? What Causes An Umbilical Hernia?

Main Category: Pediatrics / Children's Health
Also Included In: GastroIntestinal / Gastroenterology

An umbilical hernia occurs when part of the bowel or fatty tissue pokes through an area near the belly button (navel, umbilicus), pushing through a weak spot in the surrounding abdominal wall. Approximately 1 in every 10 infants is affected by an umbilical hernia - they are common in premature babies.

While the developing fetus is in the uterus (womb), the umbilical cord passes through an opening in the abdominal wall, which should close before the baby is born, or soon after. However, sometimes the muscles do not completely seal, leaving a weak spot through which an umbilical hernia can develop. The hernia looks like a lump in the navel, which may become more evident when the baby is laughing, crying, heaving (going to the toilet), or coughing. When the child is lying down or relaxed the lump may shrink. It is not usually painful.

In the majority of cases an infant's umbilical hernia closes on its own by the age of 12 months. If the hernia is still there by the time the child is 4 years old, the doctor may recommend surgery.

Umbilical hernias may also develop in adults, especially if they are very overweight, lifting heavy objects, or have a persistent cough. Women who have had multiple pregnancies have a higher risk of developing an umbilical hernia.