Umbilical hernia in babies: causes and symptoms

What is an umbilical hernia anyway?

In the case of an umbilical hernia, doctors speak of an umbilical hernia. A hernia, in turn, is generally understood to mean the protrusion of abdominal intestines or organs through an opening in the abdominal wall into a so-called hernial sac. On the outside, this hernial sac appears as a bulge on the abdomen. This can happen in the area around the navel – then one speaks of an umbilical hernia – but also in other places on the abdomen, such as in the groin area (hernia).

The name umbilical hernia derives from the translation of the word hernia into German, which means something like fracture. However, what is meant is not the break in the classic sense, but its secondary meaning in connection with a crack or a breakthrough. An umbilical hernia does not mean that your baby’s navel is broken.

This is how your baby’s umbilical hernia occurs

An umbilical hernia in your baby is usually caused by a weak point in the abdominal wall. Such a weak point is also called a hernial orifice and occurs in many babies. It means that your baby’s abdominal wall is not completely closed yet because the abdominal muscles are not sufficiently developed. So then there is a gap. This is particularly common in premature babies. If pressure develops inside the abdomen, for example from screaming or coughing, an umbilical hernia can eventually occur and intestines protrude through the abdominal wall. Around five to ten percent of all newborns already have an umbilical hernia when they are born.

Symptoms of your baby’s umbilical hernia

In babies, the umbilical hernia usually shows up as a soft bulge on the navel, the size and shape of which can vary from baby to baby. Another typical sign of an umbilical hernia is that the bulge will temporarily disappear when your baby is lying down and relaxed. In most cases, an umbilical hernia will not cause your baby any pain.

This is how an umbilical hernia in your baby is treated

In contrast to adults, no treatment is usually necessary for babies with an umbilical hernia, because the gap in the abdominal wall usually closes by itself by the age of three.

Nonetheless, you should consult your pediatrician if you suspect your baby has an umbilical hernia. Because in very rare cases, an operation is also necessary for babies. If your baby is in severe pain, organs such as the intestines may have become trapped in the hernial sac. This can be dangerous for your baby, because the affected organs cannot be properly supplied with blood. Even if the hernial openings are particularly large or if the skin of the hernial sac is very thin, your doctor may recommend an operation. But fortunately that only happens very rarely.

If your baby is affected by an umbilical hernia, this is usually nothing to worry about. Your pediatrician will monitor the progress and tell you if there is a need for action. You don’t need to do anything other than normal navel care. Have a look at our article “Care for the baby’s navel properly” . Here you will find useful tips and information about proper navel care.