If you’ve noticed a soft bulge or swelling around your baby’s belly button, especially when they cry, cough, or strain during a bowel movement, you’re not alone. It might look a little odd at first, even alarming, but what you’re likely seeing is an umbilical hernia. And the good news? It’s much more common (and often less scary) than the name suggests.
Umbilical hernias are one of those things that sound more serious than they usually are. The word “hernia” can bring up images of emergency surgery or intense pain, but in babies, these hernias are typically painless, harmless, and often go away on their own within the first few years of life.
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That said, we know how unsettling it can be to notice something unusual on your baby’s tiny body. Naturally, you may have questions: What exactly causes an umbilical hernia? Should you be worried? Will it affect your baby’s health? Could surgery be necessary? And what signs should prompt a call to the doctor?
You’re not alone in wondering, and you’re in the right place. In this parent-friendly guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about umbilical hernias: what they are, what they look like, when to seek help, and most importantly, why, most of the time, there’s no need to panic.
What Is An Umbilical Hernia?
An umbilical hernia is a small opening in the abdominal muscles near the belly button (navel) that hasn’t fully closed after birth. Through this opening, a bit of the intestine or fatty tissue can push through, causing a soft bulge under or near the belly button.
In most cases, it becomes more noticeable when a baby cries, strains during a poop, or coughs and may shrink or disappear entirely when the baby is calm or lying down.
How Common Are Umbilical Hernias?
Umbilical hernias are very common in infants and young children. In fact:
- Up to 20% of all newborns may have one
- They’re more frequently seen in premature babies
- Slightly more common in babies of African or Asian descent
- Affects boys and girls equally
Most hernias develop shortly after birth, although some might not become noticeable for several weeks.
What Causes It?
During pregnancy, the umbilical cord passes through a small opening in your baby’s abdominal muscles. After birth, when the cord is cut, this opening usually closes as the muscles grow together. If this doesn’t happen completely, the opening remains, and an umbilical hernia can develop.
It’s no one’s fault, and nothing you did during pregnancy or delivery causes it. It’s simply a quirk of fetal development that tends to resolve naturally.
What Does It Look Like?
You may notice:
- A soft bulge or swelling near your baby’s navel
- It may look larger when your baby cries, laughs, strains, or coughs
- It usually doesn’t cause pain or discomfort
- The skin over the hernia looks normal and intact
In many cases, the hernia is less than 1 inch across, but size can vary.
Does It Need Treatment?
In most cases, no. Umbilical hernias in babies are typically harmless and close on their own without intervention.
Here’s what doctors generally recommend:
- Watchful waiting: Most umbilical hernias close on their own by age 1–2.
- No need for taping or binding: In the past, people tried taping coins or gauze over the hernia to “push it in.” This is no longer recommended—it doesn’t help, and it may irritate the skin or cause infection.
- Surgery may be considered if:
- The hernia hasn’t closed by age 4–5
- The hernia is especially large or growing
- It causes pain, tenderness, or signs of complications
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When to See a Doctor
Certainly! Here’s an expanded version of that section, adding more detail while keeping the tone clear and supportive for concerned parents:
Most of the time, your child’s pediatrician will simply keep an eye on the hernia during routine check-ups, monitoring its size, appearance, and whether it seems to be resolving naturally as your baby grows. No special treatment is usually needed during this period—just patience and observation.
However, in rare cases, complications can occur, and it’s important to know the warning signs that mean you should seek medical attention right away.
Call your doctor or go to the emergency room if you notice any of the following:
- The hernia becomes hard, tender, or painful to the touch. This may indicate that something inside the hernia (such as a loop of intestine) is being squeezed or trapped, which can quickly become serious.
- The skin over the hernia turns red, purple, or dark in colour. Discolouration suggests inflammation or decreased blood flow to the area, both of which are signs of a potential emergency.
- The bulge suddenly becomes firm and cannot be gently pushed back in. This is known as an incarcerated hernia, where the protruding tissue becomes stuck and can’t slide back into the abdominal cavity. This condition can quickly lead to strangulation, where the blood supply to the trapped tissue is cut off.
- Your baby is unusually fussy, crying inconsolably, vomiting, has a swollen belly, or refuses to feed. These general signs of distress may indicate pain or intestinal blockage, especially when they occur alongside changes in the hernia.
These symptoms may point to a rare but serious complication called incarceration or strangulation of the hernia, where the protruding part of the intestine gets trapped and the blood flow is restricted. This is a medical emergency that requires immediate evaluation and likely surgical intervention to prevent further complications, including tissue damage.
The good news?
These complications are extremely rare in infants with umbilical hernias. The vast majority of hernias are harmless and resolve without intervention. But being aware of the signs of trouble, while staying calm, can help ensure your baby gets prompt care if it’s ever needed.
When in doubt, trust your instincts. You know your baby best, and if something doesn’t feel right, it’s always okay to call your healthcare provider for reassurance or guidance.
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What Happens If Surgery Is Needed?
If the hernia is large, persistent, or causing issues, your pediatrician or a pediatric surgeon may recommend surgical repair, but this is usually not considered until your child is at least 3–5 years old, unless complications arise earlier.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Outpatient procedure: Most hernia repairs are done under general anesthesia, and your child can go home the same day.
- Small incision: The surgeon will close the opening in the abdominal wall and reinforce the muscles.
- Quick recovery: Children generally recover well with minimal discomfort and return to normal activities in a few days.
It’s a safe and routine surgery, with a high success rate and low risk of recurrence.
Can Umbilical Hernias Be Prevented?
No, they’re not preventable, and that’s okay.
Umbilical hernias are a normal part of development for many babies and have nothing to do with how you feed, carry, or care for your child. While you can’t stop one from forming, you can support your baby’s health by:
- Keeping the belly button area clean and dry
- Attending regular pediatric check-ups
- Avoiding home remedies or tight wrappings
What About Adults?
While this article focuses on babies and children, it’s worth noting that umbilical hernias can occur in adults, too. In adults, they’re often caused by:
- Obesity
- Pregnancy
- Heavy lifting
- Chronic coughing
- Previous abdominal surgery
In contrast to childhood hernias, adult umbilical hernias rarely go away on their own and often require surgical repair.
Final Thoughts:
If your baby has an umbilical hernia, take a deep breath. In most cases, it’s not painful, not dangerous, and not something that needs immediate treatment.
Your doctor will keep an eye on it, and chances are good that it will resolve naturally over the next few years. But as always, trust your instincts if something doesn’t look or feel right; speak to your healthcare provider.
You’ve got this, and your baby’s belly button bump probably will, too.
