Are umbilical hernias common in newborns?
Umbilical hernias are common in newborns and infants younger than six months. Symptoms of umbilical hernia include: A slight swelling or even a bulge near the belly button. The spot becomes larger and harder when the baby cries, coughs, or strains, due to the increase of pressure on the abdomen.
When should I worry about my baby’s umbilical hernia?
If a child who has an umbilical hernia has the following symptoms, seek emergency care right away: pain in the area of the hernia; tenderness, swelling or discoloration of the hernia; an inability to easily push in the hernia tissue; and vomiting or constipation.
Why do newborns get umbilical hernias?
While you’re pregnant, the umbilical cord is connected to your baby’s abdominal muscles through a small hole. This usually closes up after the baby’s born. When it doesn’t, the gap that’s left is called an umbilical hernia. If intestines and fluid poke through it, they cause the belly to bulge or swell.
How can I prevent my baby’s umbilical hernia?
How Are Umbilical Hernias Treated?
- Give anesthesia so the child sleeps through the procedure and won’t feel any pain.
- Make a small incision (cut) in the skin.
- Move the intestine back into place.
- Close the hole or weak spot in the muscle with stitches.
Does crying cause hernia in babies?
Straining and crying do not cause hernias; however, the increased pressure in the abdomen can make a hernia more noticeable. Inguinal hernias appear as a bulge or swelling in the groin or scrotum. The swelling may be more noticeable when the baby cries, and may get smaller or go away when the baby relaxes.
Can I push my baby’s umbilical hernia back in?
If necessary, umbilical hernias can be treated with surgery to push the bulge back into place and strengthen the weakness in the abdominal wall. This operation may be recommended for your child if the hernia is large or hasn’t disappeared by the time they reach 4 or 5 years old.
What should I do if my baby has an umbilical hernia?
Treatment for Umbilical Hernia
Many umbilical hernias close spontaneously by ages 3 to 4. If closure does not occur by this time, surgical repair is usually advised. In younger children, if there is an episode of incarceration or if the hernia is very large, surgical repair may be recommended.
Do baby umbilical hernia belts work?
Umbilical bands or straps were a variation on this theme. We now know that not using a coin, band, or strap works just as well — and avoids skin irritation. Over 85 percent of umbilical hernias will disappear by age one even if you do nothing at all.
How serious is a hernia in a baby?
About 3-5% of healthy, full-term babies are born with an inguinal hernia. In premature infants, the incidence is substantially increased―up to 30%! If an inguinal hernia is not treated, it can cause serious problems.