Umbilical Hernia

An umbilical hernia is an abnormal bulge near an infant’s belly button, which occurs at the umbilical opening. The umbilical opening is a small opening in the abdominal muscles of the baby, through which the umbilical cord passes. This opening closes normally after birth. 

However, sometimes the muscles fail to come together forming an opening called an umbilical ring. When a part of the abdominal lining, intestine or abdominal fluid protrudes through the umbilical ring in the wall of the abdominal muscles, a protruding bulge, called an umbilical hernia, can be seen. In many cases, umbilical hernia subsides on their own as the umbilical opening closes over time.

In some cases, the protruding tissue may become trapped (incarcerated), leading to a more complicated disorder called the incarcerated umbilical hernia. This occurs because blood supply to the trapped part of the intestine is reduced, which could ultimately lead to tissue damage and further complications.   

Umbilical hernia is more common in children born with low birth weights, or those born prematurely. It is also equally common in girls and boys, and the size of the umbilical hernias also varies. ​