has anyone heard of this before?

Question

Has anyone heard of an umbilical hernia before? If so what is it or what are they symptoms? Is it possible for a baby to have it?

Answer 1

What is an umbilical hernia?

An umbilical hernia is a small hole in the abdominal wall at the umbilicus (belly button). It is often most visible when the child cries or strains, as the pressure pushes the abdominal contents or fluid through the hole causing it to bulge. The size of the umbilical hernia is determined by feeling the opening in the abdominal muscle, not by the amount of skin protruding (or sticking) out.



Umbilical hernia seen from the front


Umbilical hernia as seen in side view


What are the symptoms of umbilical hernia?

Most umbilical hernias have no symptoms. Generally those concerned about the umbilical hernia are the parents and grandparents. The hernia gets tight when the child strains or cries but usually causes no pain to the child. Some parents express feelings of quilt, but should not because the cause is unknown. Incarceration (abdominal contents getting stuck in the hernia) are very rare.

What is the treatment for umbilical hernia?

Treatment of umbilical hernia is observation. More than 95% of these hernias will close by the age of 5 years. More than 90% will close by the age of 3 years. Large hernias greater than 2.5cm (1 inch) may be closed surgically due to the less likely chance they will close on their own. Once again, incarceration of these hernias is very rare. Surgical treatment is not attempted in small umbilical hernias due to the risks of anesthesia when the hernia will close on its own. We want to reassure you that we will be happy to follow the child as he/she grows to see if repair is necessary. We also want you to know that various methods of compression such as banding, tape, strapping or application of plaster have not been shown to be effective. This does not speed up closure and can cause infection and skin irritation. If the hernia is quite large or if the child is over 4-5 years old, surgery may be suggested. The operation is a same day surgery and most children do quite well afterwards.

Answer 2

An umbilical hernia is a condition in which a defect or hole exists in the abdominal wall at the level of the umbilicus (belly button). Skin overlies the defect and bulges especially during straining. During fetal development, the region of the umbilicus is very important. It is the point where the structures that make up the umbilical cord pass. This defect usually closes shortly after birth through natural processes. Occasionally the process of closure does not finish, and there is a persistent defect in the abdominal wall, or an umbilical hernia. Even if an umbilical hernia is present in infancy, most (90%) will close within the first year or two of life A few will persist into early childhood, prompting surgical referral.

I think my ex's nephew had this. He went the first months of his life with a balloon like extension out of his belly button, which was actually the hernia. It got bigger when he got upset or riled.

Answer 3

It's fairly common...much, much more common in babies than in adults. The muscles and tissue in the belly button area where the umbilical cord was attached remained open to allow the umbilical blood vessels to connect to the baby's body. It closes up as the baby ages. Essentially what has happened with umbilical hernia is that some of the baby's insides are protruding thru this hole and bulging in the area of the belly button. It looks like a really big outie. Lots of cases are corrected on their own with time...usually by the first year. If it's a severe case they can tuck it back in during surgery and put some mesh over the hole so it doesn't bulge out again.

Answer 4

Umbilical hernia is a congenital malformation, especially common in infants of African descent, and more frequent in boys. A hernia is present at the site of the umbilicus (commonly called a navel, or belly button) in the newborn; although sometimes quite large, these hernias tend to resolve without any treatment by around the age of 5 years. Obstruction and strangulation of the hernia is rare because the underlying defect in the abdominal wall is larger than in an inguinal hernia of the newborn.

Answer 5

Actually my little man has one. The doctor discovered it at his 1 month check up. She told us not to worry about it until he is at least 1 year old. Often times it will correct itself, if not, sometimes surgery is required, but rarely. She said it is more common in premies than full term babies, but it does happen(my son was not premature).

Answer 6

My friend had 2 in her stomach from when she was a baby and had them removed at age 24.

Answer 7

yes its where the stomach or other organs push through a split in the muscles behind the tummy button, and yes its quite common for babies to have it, you ll know if yours has because there will be a lump behind the tummy button. it is simple to repair if necessary, my son had one repaired when he was little with no further problems

Answer 8

My daughter has that. When the baby cries the belly button will poke out. It should heal by itself and isn't serious.

Answer 9

no i have 7 kid's and never herd of such a thing i dont think that's even possible