Last Updated on November 26, 2025 by Bilal Hasdemir

Learn what causes herniated belly button in babies, how it looks, and when to seek medical advice.

An umbilical hernia happens when parts of the belly push through a weak spot near the belly button. This is often because the umbilical ring didn’t close fully after birth.

This issue is quite common in babies. Knowing what causes and looks like an umbilical hernia is key for parents. It usually shows up as a soft, bulging area near the belly button.

Liv Hospital offers top-notch, patient-focused care for babies with umbilical hernias. They use the latest standards to help young patients get the best care.

Key Takeaways

• Umbilical hernias occur due to incomplete closure of the umbilical ring.
• They are relatively common in infants.
• The condition manifests as a soft, visible bulge near the navel.
• Liv Hospital offers specialized care for babies with umbilical hernias.
• Understanding the causes and symptoms is key for parents.

Understanding Umbilical Hernias in Newborns

Umbilical hernias in newborns are a common issue. They appear as a bulge near the belly button. This happens because of an opening in the abdominal muscles.

Definition and Basic Anatomy

An umbilical hernia happens when part of the intestine sticks out through an opening near the belly button. This is common in babies because their belly muscles are weak in this area.

How Umbilical Hernias Form

Umbilical hernias form when the umbilical ring doesn’t close right after birth. This ring is where the umbilical cord goes through. When it doesn’t close, part of the intestine bulges out, making a hernia.

Normal Belly Button Development

Normally, the belly button closes soon after birth. But sometimes, it doesn’t close right away. This can lead to an umbilical hernia. Being born early or being underweight can make this more likely.

Knowing about umbilical hernias helps parents understand their baby’s health better.

What Causes Herniated Belly Button in Infants

Herniated belly buttons in infants come from developmental and physiological factors. Knowing these causes helps parents and caregivers manage the condition well.

Incomplete Closure of the Umbilical Ring

The main reason for umbilical hernias in infants is an open umbilical ring. This ring is a natural opening for blood vessels in the womb. It usually closes after birth. But sometimes, it stays open, making a weak spot in the belly.

This weakness can push intestines or other tissues through the navel. This results in a hernia.

Developmental Factors

Developmental factors also cause umbilical hernias. Premature babies are more likely to have them because their belly walls are not fully developed. Some genetic conditions can also affect the belly muscles, raising the risk of hernias.

Pressure Within the Abdominal Cavity

High pressure in the belly also leads to umbilical hernias. When infants cry or strain, it increases pressure on the belly wall. This can push intestines through weak spots, like an open umbilical ring.

Understanding these causes helps parents and healthcare providers spot at-risk infants. They can then take steps to manage the condition.

Risk Factors for Developing Umbilical Hernias

Umbilical hernias in infants are caused by genetics, development, and environment. Knowing these factors helps parents and doctors spot high-risk babies.

Premature Birth and Low Birth Weight

Premature babies and those with low birth weight are more likely to get umbilical hernias. Their underdeveloped abdominal walls make them more prone to hernias.

Family History and Genetic Predisposition

Having a family history of umbilical hernias raises a baby’s risk. Genetics play a part, as some conditions can affect the abdominal wall’s development.

Down Syndrome and Other Genetic Conditions

Babies with Down syndrome and other genetic conditions face a higher risk of umbilical hernias. These conditions often lead to delays in abdominal wall closure.

African American Heritage

Studies show that African American infants are more likely to have umbilical hernias. This might be due to genetic or ethnic factors.

The following table summarizes the risk factors associated with umbilical hernias in infants:

Understanding these risk factors helps parents and doctors keep a closer eye on high-risk babies. This can help prevent complications from umbilical hernias.

Physical Appearance of Umbilical Hernias

An umbilical hernia shows up as a soft, painless swelling at the navel. It’s a noticeable bulge around the belly button area.

What Does a Belly Button Hernia Look Like

A belly button hernia looks like a swelling or bulge at the navel. It gets more noticeable when the baby cries, coughs, or strains. It may go away or shrink when the baby is lying down or relaxed.

Variations in Size and Appearance

Umbilical hernias can vary a lot in size. Some are small and hard to see, while others are bigger and more obvious. The size can change with the baby’s actions, like crying or straining.

Extended Navel and Enlarged Belly Button

At times, an umbilical hernia can make the navel look extended or the belly button enlarged. This happens because of increased pressure in the abdominal cavity pushing through the weak spot around the navel.

Visual Changes During Activity and Rest

The look of an umbilical hernia can change with different activities. For example, the bulge may grow more when the baby cries or strains. It becomes less noticeable when the baby is at rest.

Common Symptoms and Signs

It’s important for parents to know the signs of umbilical hernias. This helps them keep an eye on their child’s health. Umbilical hernias show up in certain ways that parents can spot.

Soft, Painless Bulge at the Navel

A soft, painless bulge at the navel is a key sign of an umbilical hernia. This bulge is often seen when the child cries, coughs, or strains. It can be pushed back into the belly gently.

Changes When Crying or Straining

The bulge’s size can change with the child’s actions. When the child is calm, the bulge might be smaller or gone. But when they cry, strain, or cough, the bulge gets bigger because of more pressure in the belly.

Warning Signs of Complications

Even though umbilical hernias are usually not serious, some signs can mean trouble. Look out for persistent pain, redness, swelling, vomiting, or if the hernia is hard and can’t be pushed back. If these happen, get medical help right away.

Prevalence and Demographics

Umbilical hernias are quite common in newborns, affecting many babies around the world. These hernias happen when part of the intestine pushes through an opening in the belly muscles near the navel.

How Common Are Umbilical Hernias in Newborns

Research shows that about 10% to 20% of newborns get umbilical hernias. This condition is more common in premature babies and those who were born weighing less.

Age-Related Healing Patterns

Most umbilical hernias in kids get better on their own by the time they are 4 or 5 years old. The chance of it closing up naturally goes down as they get older. So, it’s important to keep an eye on it early on.

Differences Between Population Groups

Studies have found that umbilical hernias are more common in some ethnic groups, like African Americans. Genetics and other factors play a role in these differences.

The frequency of umbilical hernias varies among different groups. This shows the importance of understanding and being aware of this condition.

Diagnosis and Medical Assessment

Diagnosing umbilical hernias starts with a detailed physical check-up by a doctor. This first step is key to spotting a hernia and figuring out its size.

Physical Examination Techniques

The doctor will look closely at the baby’s belly button area. They’ll feel for a soft bulge or lump. The check might happen when the baby is calm and again when they’re crying or straining, as this can make the hernia more visible.

When Additional Testing Is Needed

Usually, a simple physical check-up can spot an umbilical hernia. But if the doctor thinks there might be other issues or isn’t sure, they might suggest an ultrasound.

Differentiating from Other Abdominal Conditions

It’s important to tell umbilical hernias apart from other belly problems that look similar. Things like diastasis recti or other hernias need a careful look to rule them out.

When to Seek Medical Attention

If you see signs of trouble like severe pain, vomiting, or if the hernia gets stuck or cut off, get help right away. Quick action can stop serious problems.

Treatment Options and Management

Managing umbilical hernias in newborns often means watching closely, taking care at home, and sometimes surgery. Most of these hernias close by age 4 or 5. But, some cases need more action.

Watchful Waiting Approach

For small umbilical hernias, doctors often suggest waiting and watching. Regular visits to the pediatrician are key. They help track the hernia’s size and any changes.

Home Care Guidelines

Parents can help their baby’s umbilical hernia at home. It’s important not to press on the hernia to avoid pain and problems. Keeping the baby at a healthy weight and managing coughs or constipation also helps.

“Most umbilical hernias are not painful and do not require immediate treatment. Monitoring and proper care can prevent complications.”

Pediatrician’s Advice

Surgical Intervention Criteria

Surgery is considered for large hernias, those that last beyond 4 or 5 years, or cause pain. The decision to operate depends on the child’s health and the hernia’s details.

Managing Massive Umbilical Hernias

Massive umbilical hernias are rare but need special care. A team of pediatric surgeons and other experts work together to find the best treatment.

In summary, many umbilical hernias in babies get better on their own. But, a careful watch, home care, and sometimes surgery are key. Parents should talk to their pediatrician to find the best way to help their child.

Conclusion

Understanding umbilical hernias in newborns is key for parents and caregivers. This summary covers the basics, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.

Umbilical hernias happen when the umbilical ring doesn’t close fully. They can also be caused by developmental issues and pressure inside the belly. Risk factors include being born early, having a low birth weight, family history, and certain genetic conditions.

The look of an umbilical hernia can vary. It often appears as a soft, painless bulge at the belly button. Symptoms can change when the baby cries or strains. Doctors usually diagnose it by looking at the baby, sometimes needing more tests.

Treatment varies from watching it closely to surgery, based on the size and the child’s health. Knowing the causes, symptoms, and treatments helps parents make good choices for their child’s care.

In short, umbilical hernias are common in newborns. With the right care, most kids get better fully. This summary is a helpful guide for understanding umbilical hernias and their effects.

FAQ

References

Andrews, S., et al. (2013). Gallstone size e related to the incidence of post-cholecystectomy retained bile duct stones. Surgery Journal, 5(3), 143-147. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1743919113000484