An umbilical hernia occurs when part of the bowel or fatty tissue pokes through an area near the belly

button (navel, umbilicus), pushing through a weak spot in the surrounding abdominal wall. Approximately 1 in every 10 infants is affected by an umbilical hernia - they are common in premature babies. While the developing fetus is in the uterus (womb), the umbilical cord passes through an opening in the abdominal wall, which should close before the baby is born, or soon after. However, sometimes the muscles do not completely seal, leaving a weak spot through which an umbilical hernia can develop. The hernia looks like a lump in the navel, which may become more evident when the baby is laughing, crying, heaving (going to the toilet), or coughing. When the child is lying down or relaxed the lump may shrink. It is not usually painful. In the majority of cases an infant's umbilical hernia closes on its own by the age of 12 months. If the hernia is still there by the time the child is 4 years old, the doctor may recommend surgery. Umbilical hernias may also develop in adults, especially if they are very overweight, lifting heavy objects, or have a persistent cough. Women who have had multiple pregnancies have a higher risk of developing an umbilical hernia. In adults, hernias are much more common in females. Among infants, the risk is about the same for boys and girls. According to Medilexicon's medical dictionary: an umbilical hernia is

a hernia in which bowel or omentum protrudes through the abdominal wall under the skin at the umbilicus.

What are the signs and symptoms of an umbilical hernia?

A symptom is something the patient senses and describes, while a sign is something other people, such as the doctor notice. For example, drowsiness may be a symptom while dilated pupils may be a sign. There may be a soft bulge/swelling near the umbilicus (navel), ranging from about 1 to 5 cms in diameter (0.5 to 2 inches). The bulge is usually more noticeable if the baby cries, laughs, coughs or strains. Pain - in children and infants umbilical hernias are not usually painful. Adults may feel pain or discomfort.

When to see a doctor: If you see a bulge and would like to know what it is The bulge becomes painful The infant/adult vomits (and there is a bulge) The bulge swells up more

The bulge becomes discolored

What are the risk factors for umbilical hernias?

A risk factor is something which increases the likelihood of developing a condition or disease. For example, obesity significantly raises the risk of developing diabetes type 2. Therefore, obesity is a risk factor for diabetes type 2.