Yes, an umbilical hernia is very common in babies. It affects about 10-20% of all newborns, although it is more common in premature infants, African American infants, and those of certain ethnic groups, such as Hispanics or Asians.
An umbilical hernia occurs when a baby’s intestines push through the wall of the abdomen at the navel. This can cause the baby’s belly button to bulge out, although it typically looks and feels like a small pouch filled with fluid.
An umbilical hernia usually closes on its own within the first few years, although some babies may require surgery to repair it. If the umbilical hernia becomes large or causes pain, it is important to contact a pediatrician.
With early treatment, most babies with an umbilical hernia heal without any complications.
When should I worry about my baby’s umbilical hernia?
If your baby has an umbilical hernia, it is important to monitor it for any signs of complications. If the hernia persists past the age of 4, is larger than an inch in diameter, becomes painful or tender to touch, appears as a red lump, or you can feel a lump in the abdominal area, it is important to consult a doctor.
In some cases, your baby may experience difficulty passing stools, or may have tenderness in the area of the hernia. If this occurs, your doctor may need to monitor your baby’s condition and refer you to a pediatric surgeon who may recommend surgery.
If you do not notice any of these signs or symptoms with your baby’s umbilical hernia, you may not need to worry, as many umbilical hernias spontaneously repair themselves over time. However, if you are at all concerned, or if your baby experiences any discomfort around the area, it is important to consult your doctor.
Do umbilical cord hernias hurt babies?
Generally speaking, umbilical cord hernias do not hurt babies. An umbilical cord hernia is a soft mass typically located near the umbilicus (the belly button) which is usually visible when the baby cries, strains, or when the intra-abdominal pressure increases.
While an umbilical hernia may be uncomfortable, they typically do not cause babies to experience pain.
The majority of umbilical cord hernias eventually close up on their own by the time the baby reaches 4-5 years of age. It is possible, however, for an umbilical hernia to get bigger over time due to increased intra-abdominal pressure, so it’s important to have the hernia monitored by a doctor.
In rare cases, surgical repair may be required to close the hernia if it does not close on its own.
If your baby has an umbilical cord hernia, it’s best to talk with your healthcare provider to find out the best plan for monitoring your child’s hernia. Even though umbilical cord hernias don’t usually hurt babies, they can still be worrisome.
Having a plan in place to keep an eye on it can help provide peace of mind.
How do I know if my baby’s umbilical hernia is strangulated?
If your baby is experiencing signs of a strangulated umbilical hernia, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms may include red and tender bulging around the umbilical area, painful swelling, nausea, vomiting, and/or fever.
If your baby seems to be in distress, they may also be irritable, have decreased activity, and even have difficulty passing stools. If you are unsure whether your baby is strangulated, contact your doctor right away.
They will be able to thoroughly examine your baby, possibly order tests, and determine if the hernia is strangulated. If the hernia is, your baby will likely need surgical repair.
Can I push my baby’s umbilical hernia back in?
No, you should not attempt to push your baby’s umbilical hernia back in. Hernias can be risky in infants as their intestines and other organs are not yet fully developed. If a hernia is not pushing in and out occasionally it may require medical attention.
If your baby has an umbilical hernia, it is important to see their doctor right away to check that the hernia is not too large or causing a blockage in the abdominal cavity. Your pediatrician may decide to monitor the hernia or may recommend a procedure to repair it.
If a procedure is necessary, the doctor may use a local anesthetic to avoid discomfort to your baby. Trying to push the hernia back in yourself can be painful and can cause further injury.
How urgent is an umbilical hernia?
A umbilical hernia is generally considered to be an emergency situation until it is evaluated by a medical professional. Symptoms that would indicate an emergency situation include extreme pain and swelling, discoloration of the hernia area, and a feeling of heaviness in the abdomen.
If any of these symptoms present, it is important to seek immediate medical attention. That being said, umbilical hernias can fluctuate in size, so if there is no pain and no other signs of distress, it is not considered to be an emergency.
For both adults and infants, further testing may be required to determine the course of treatment. Once a hernia has been evaluated and is deemed an emergency, it should be treated as soon as possible – surgery is generally the most effective treatment for a hernia, and can help to reduce the chances of complications such as an incarcerated hernia.
Is a hernia in a child an emergency?
It depends on the severity of the hernia. Generally speaking, hernias in children are usually not life-threatening and can usually be observed over time or treated in an office setting. However, if the hernia becomes enlarged and painful, then it is something that should be evaluated by a doctor as soon as possible.
It is also important to note that depending on the type of hernia and the age of the child, some hernias may need to be surgically repaired. In general, the most important thing is to seek medical attention if the child is experiencing any pain or discomfort.
What size of umbilical hernia needs surgery?
Umbilical hernias that require surgery usually need to be larger than 2 cm in size, and in most cases, umbilical hernias larger than 4 cm are the ones which need to be treated with surgery. Surgery is typically only recommended if an umbilical hernia is causing a lot of pain or if it is getting bigger, as it is possible for them to remain the same size or shrink over time without requiring treatment.
Surgery may also be recommended if the umbilical hernia is in danger of becoming strangulated. The decision to perform surgery on an umbilical hernia should be made by a qualified medical professional after assessing the severity and size of the hernia.
Why do babies get umbilical hernias?
Babies can get umbilical hernias because their abdominal muscles are not yet fully developed. During pregnancy, the baby’s abdomen is expanding at a rapid rate and the abdominal muscles may not be able to keep up with that growth.
This can cause a weak spot in the area of the belly button, allowing a small part of the baby’s intestines to protrude out and form a bulge. The bulge is usually painless and is usually noticed when the baby cries or straining.
It is more common in premature infants and babies that are born to younger mothers. Although umbilical hernias are not serious, they may need to be surgically repaired if they are still present after the baby is four years old.
How serious is a hernia in a baby?
Hernias in babies can be very serious, especially if the hernia is strangulated, which means the hernia has cut off the blood supply to the affected tissue. Strangulated hernias require immediate medical attention, and can cause permanent damage if left untreated.
In addition, hernias that are not treated in a timely manner can result in entrapment of the intestines and become a more serious, life-threatening problem. In general, hernias in babies should be treated as soon as they are noticed, and the doctor should be consulted to determine the best course of action.
Most hernias in infants can be corrected through minor surgery, and if they are left untreated they could lead to intestinal obstruction and other medical issues.
What happens if you don’t fix umbilical hernia?
If a umbilical hernia is not repaired, it may lead to more serious problems. There is the potential that if left untreated, the hernia can become incarcerated, meaning that it will not be able to be manually pushed back in like it originally was.
This can cause pain, nausea, and vomiting. Additionally, if the hernia is not corrected in a timely manner, the intestines or other organs within the abdomen may become trapped within the hernia. This can cause a blockage in the intestine, potentially leading to a bowel obstruction which is a serious condition that can be life threatening if not repaired surgically.
In general, umbilical hernias should be addressed as soon as possible to avoid the potential for complications.
Why is my 5 week old belly button sticking out?
It is very normal and common for your 5 week old baby’s belly button to stick out. This is because the umbilical cord is still healing, and the area around the umbilical cord is still healing and growing.
As your baby’s belly grows, the belly button may temporarily stick out as all of the skin stretches to accommodate your baby’s growth. In some cases, the healing process can cause the belly button to protrude more than normal for a few days.
Additionally, small amounts of drainage from the umbilical area may cause the site to swell and stick out.
Therefore, you should not worry about your baby’s protruding belly button as it is normal and should not cause any harm or distress to your baby. However, if the area around the umbilical cord becomes red, swollen, or tender, you should contact your baby’s pediatrician as this could indicate a possible infection.