Hernias of this type are more frequently observed in children, especially newborns, and in newborns preterm, or with low weight. Yet, they may also develop in children who are a bit older and full-grown men and women as well. In infants, the situation can be observed in early days after birth, as the umbilical orifice fails to close properly. An umbilical hernia occurs when part of the intestine or fatty tissue bulges through the abdominal muscles around the belly button, and the following are the signs that may be exhibited by children with such a condition: 

The best characteristic of an umbilical hernia is a gentle swelling around the umbilicus which might not be consistent in size. Although the bulge is often not tender, there are several signs of which parents should be aware and they include swelling, bulging amongst others. This may develop further when the child is crying, laughing or straining to defecate and it is observed to reduce in size or even disappear when the child is free from all these conditions. It is however worthy of note that most umbilical hernias in the children are not associated with any pain, but the larger ones might be painful and in the case of incarceration, this condition might be painful to the child.

What is the Cause of Umbilical Hernia

During pregnancy the umbilical cord goes through a tiny opening that is in the baby’s abdominal muscles. As the umbilical cord is cut after a birth, this hole is usually shut as the muscles of the abdomen progress and develop. But if the muscles do not close up tightly an umbilical hernia may develop. Several factors can increase the likelihood of a child developing an umbilical hernia. Newborns who are born before the gestational period are more susceptible to having umbilical hernias due to the fact that the muscles used for shutting the abdomen are generally not fully developed at birth. Low birth weight babies are also vulnerable because of numerous risk factors attached to them. They are also influenced by the family genes as they are hereditary disease.Through movements that involve the contraction of the diaphragm muscles with forces the abdomen, like laughing, coughing or even crying, an umbilical hernia can develop especially for a child that has a weak abdominal area. 

Treating Umbilical Hernia in Children 

The good news to parents is that the umbilical hernias in children are normally physiological and often close without medical intervention. In most cases of umbilical hernias in children below the age of 2, doctors advise the ‘wait and see’ approach since the hernias will naturally re-locate by 1 to 2 years of age. In this period, parents should observe for changes such as increase in size or pain of the hernia. In some cases, if the hernia has not gone away by the age of 4 to 5 years or, if the hernia is huge, causes pain or becomes incarcerated, surgery may be required. 

 

Conclusion 

Parents get worried when their child has an umbilical hernia but most are not a cause for worry as they are normally harmless and disappear as the child grows older. Getting to know the condition, the signs that your kid might be affected and following your doctor’s advice would help your child and keep him or her healthy always. In most cases the hernia reduces spontaneously with time and a little patience; all that is left behind is a natural umbilicus. Nevertheless, if the situation requires a surgery then this is not a complicated operation with a high rate of effectiveness. Of course, the most important piece of advice remains the same – always be in touch with your child’s healthcare provider in terms of all potential health issues.