Since the beginning of time, caring for a baby’s belly button right after birth has always been a matter of great caution and concern. In the past, the umbilical area used to be wrapped with an umbilical band to keep the area firm and protected from possible bacteria and infections. However, with advances in research related to the topic, these care practices have also been updated. But after the cord stump dries and falls off, you may notice a small bump in the area. Is it because of a lack of care? Did the umbilical hernia develop due to poor hygiene or improper care of the area?
Is Umbilical Hernia Caused by Lack of Care?
No, umbilical hernia has nothing to do with how the belly button is cared for. An umbilical hernia is an abnormal bulge found in the belly button region that can appear right after the umbilical cord stump falls off, or sometime later1.
The bulge is so noticeable that it can be seen and felt with your fingers when you touch it. This happens because a piece of the intestine or some internal abdominal fluid has shifted to the upper part of the muscle, standing out on the abdomen or, more specifically, in the umbilical area.
Umbilical hernia is a common occurrence and is not considered serious, even though it often causes a lot of concern for parents when they notice it. Even so, it does require some care to avoid more serious complications. It affects about 10 to 20% of children in their early years of life, with increased chances of occurring in premature babies or those with low birth weight.
The main symptoms of umbilical hernia, in addition to a noticeable bulge, are sensitivity in the umbilical area. In addition, small lumps may appear when the child is standing and go away when they lie down. Nausea and vomiting can also happen when the hernia appears.
Can Babies Be Born with a Hernia?
Yes, some babies can be born with an umbilical hernia, while others will only show the first signs after the cord stump falls off or over the subsequent months. After it falls, the umbilical stump takes about a month to heal completely and look like a regular belly button. If a bulge appears or the belly button does not look as expected, a pediatrician should be consulted for evaluation.
Cause of Umbilical Hernia
The cause of umbilical hernia is the improper closure of the muscle in the abdominal region. Since the umbilical cord is attached to local muscles and tissue, and the umbilical ring closes before the baby is born, what can happen is that, with improper closure, the wall of the intestine moves through that space, causing the bulge.
Umbilical Hernia Surgery
What parent wouldn’t be worried upon hearing the word “surgery”? Especially when it concerns a baby who has only just been born. But the treatment for umbilical hernia simply consists of repair surgery, which can be performed through an incision in the abdomen or with a more advanced method, laparoscopy, a less invasive procedure.
Both procedures are safe and easy to recover from, with up to 100% efficacy in solving the issue. The recommended recovery time is 2 to 3 weeks, requiring complete rest and as little effort as possible2.
This may be a bit complicated for older babies who are already walking, but it is extremely necessary for proper recovery. There are cases where the umbilical hernia disappears naturally over time, especially in babies who are born with the problem. Some pediatricians may even be able to gently push the bulge back in during a physical exam, but if that’s not possible, repair surgery will be needed.
Risks of Not Treating Umbilical Hernia
If proper treatment is not carried out, more severe complications can occur, such as when the abdominal cavity closes and the bulge stays outside, making it impossible to return3. When this happens, blood flow to the intestine is reduced, and it can lead to tissue death or gangrene in the region. There are major risks of infection in the area, which can spread throughout the abdominal region and even become life threatening.
See also: How to Care for Your Baby’s Belly Button?
Photo: tresross
