Umbilical Hernia in Children
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 10, 2025.
What is an umbilical hernia?
An umbilical hernia is a bulge through the abdominal wall near your child's umbilicus (belly button). The hernia may contain tissue from the abdomen, part of an organ (such as the intestine), or fluid.
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What causes an umbilical hernia?
An umbilical hernia may develop because your child has a hole or weak area in the abdominal muscles. The following may increase your child's risk for an umbilical hernia:
- Premature birth or low birth weight
- African-American ancestry
What are the signs and symptoms of an umbilical hernia?
Umbilical hernias usually do not cause pain. The hernia may disappear when your child relaxes or lies flat. Your child may have any of the following:
- A soft bulge or swelling near his or her belly button
- A bulge that gets bigger when he or she cries, coughs, strains to have a bowel movement, or sits up
- Vomiting or constipation
- Irritability or poor feeding
How is an umbilical hernia diagnosed?
Your child's healthcare provider will examine your child and feel his or her abdomen. Your child may need an ultrasound to show the tissue or organ that is contained within the hernia.
How is an umbilical hernia treated?
Treatment depends on how severe the umbilical hernia is. The hernia may close on its own by age 4 to 5 years old and not need treatment. Your child may need any of the following:
- Manual reduction of your child's hernia may be needed. Manual reduction means your child's healthcare provider will use his or her hands to put firm, steady pressure on your child's hernia. Pressure is applied until the hernia disappears inside the abdominal wall.
- Surgery is done if your child's hernia does not go away on its own by age 4 to 5 years old or causes complications. Your child may need surgery right away if the hernia stops blood flow to any of his or her organs. Your child may also need surgery right away if a hole forms in the intestines or they get trapped inside the hernia.
How can I manage my child's umbilical hernia?
- Give your child liquids as directed. Liquids may prevent constipation and straining during a bowel movement. Ask how much liquid to give your child each day and which liquids are best for him or her.
- Give your child foods high in fiber. Fiber may prevent constipation and straining during a bowel movement. Foods that contain fiber include fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains.
- Do not put pressure on your child's hernia. Do not push on the hernia or place tape or a coin over it.
When should I seek immediate care?
- Your child's hernia gets bigger, feels firm, or is blue or purple.
- Your child's abdomen seems larger, rounder, or more full than usual.
- Your child has severe abdominal pain with nausea or vomiting.
- Your child cannot have a bowel movement or pass gas.
- Your child has blood in his or her bowel movement.
- Your child cries more than usual or seems like he or she is in pain.
When should I call my child's doctor or gastroenterologist?
- Your child has a fever.
- You have questions about your child's condition or care.
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