Umbilical hernia

Baby affected with umbilical hernia will have a hernia present at the site of belly button. In most cases, these hernias will disappear without any treatment by around the age of 2. Parents are advised to bring their children to pediatricians if the size of the hernia is growing or does not go away by the age of 2.

Umbilical hernia occurs when part of the fatty tissue or bowel pokes through a weak spot near the belly button. Before the baby is born, the umbilical cord passes through an opening in the abdominal wall. This opening is supposed to be closed after baby is born or some time before the baby is born. However, the muscle in this area does not completely seal in some cases, leaving a weak spot through umbilical hernia can be developed.

If your child is affected, you should not let your child cry unstopped. If your child is affected with chronic cough, you should seek doctor's help immediately. Try to let your baby drink plenty of water to avoid bloating or constipation.

As the baby grows up, muscle at the abdominal wall will have more strength, the umbilical hernia will then heal completely without surgery. However, if umbilical hernia grows in size, parents should seek the pediatrician's help in a timely manner.