Umbilical Hernia

What is an Umbilical hernia?
A hernia is a lump or swelling which happens when
the
bowel or intestine pushes through a weakness in the
muscles of the abdominal wall. A hernia that happens in
the belly button area is called an umbilical hernia. This is
a small hole or defect in the muscles of the abdomen,
where the umbilical cord was attached during
pregnancy. This allows a piece of bowel to slip through
this hole and form a swelling.

Why does it happen?
During pregnancy, there is a small opening in the
abdominal muscles so that the umbilical cord can pass
through, connecting the mother to the baby. This is called
the umbilical ring. After birth, the umbilical cord is cut
and the stump begins to shrink and fall off. The small
hole or umbilical ring usually closes soon after birth.
Sometimes however, the muscles that make up the ring
do not grow together, which leaves a small opening
present. Because the hole or umbilical ring has not closed
a piece of intestine or bowel can slip through the hole
causing a swelling at the belly button. This is an umbilical
hernia.

Could I have done anything to stop my child
from developing a hernia?
No. There is no way of preventing a hernia.

What are the facts about Umbilical hernias?
• Umbilical hernias are not painful.
• Umbilical hernias do not cause any symptoms and are not dangerous. Leaving it alone is therefore advised, as there are very few complications
• Umbilical hernias usually appear soon after birth.
• Umbilical hernias have a high chance of closing on their own without treatment. 85% of them will disappear without any treatment by the time your child is age 1. Most of them close by the time your child is 4 years old. Sometimes the hernia may close even after the age of 4 years old, though the chance of this happening decreases with each year of your child's life. This is why we do not repair them unless your child is about 4 years or older.
• Umbilical hernias are a common condition.
• They are found in 10% of infants and young children, with 90% of those being Afro-Caribbean. They are more common in girls than boys and in premature (early) or low birth weight babies.
• You may see the lump or it may look bigger when your child is laughing, crying, coughing or using the toilet. Do not worry; this is normal It will not cause any pain if the swelling is bigger than normal.
• The size of an Umbilical hernia can change in shape and size, from looking like a small cherry to a large lime.
• In the past some Umbilical hernias were treated by strapping a belt like cloth around the waist at the level of the belly button to push the hernia back in. We do not use this method anymore as it does not help and may possibly be harmful.
• When your child is relaxed, calm and lying down the Umbilical hernia may get smaller or go away.
• When your child's GP (General Practitioner) pushes gently on the hernia or bulge it will usually go back into the abdomen. This means that the hernia is reducible and the bowel or intestine can move easily in and out, back to the normal body position. Fewer than 1% of children have an irreducible umbilical hernia. meaning the bowel becomes stuck or difficult to gently push back to the normal body position.