Umbilical Hernia in Children

Symptoms

The main symptom of an umbilical hernia is a soft bulge under the skin of the navel, or umbilicus. An umbilical hernia is usually not painful or harmful.

An umbilical hernia:

• Is usually present at birth but may not be noticed right away. A hernia usually isn't noticeable until the umbilical cord stump falls off, which usually occurs a few days to a few weeks after birth.
• May vary in size from less than 1 cm (0.4 in.) to more than 4 cm (1.6 in.) across but rarely measures more than 2 cm (0.8 in.) across.
• Can be pushed back (reduced) into the abdomen.
• Usually is most noticeable when your child sits or stands, or is straining during normal activities such as crying, coughing, or having a bowel movement. Typically, it is least visible while your child lies quietly on his or her back.

Some umbilical hernias have a large amount of extra skin over them. These are called proboscoid umbilical hernias. Although they are not dangerous, proboscoid hernias usually are more noticeable than other umbilical hernias because of their unusual appearance.

Complications of umbilical hernias, such as rupture of the hernia or trapping of the intestines in the hernia sac, are rare. But if they occur, you may notice additional symptoms in your child, such as nausea, vomiting, pain, or redness and swelling within the bulge of the hernia.

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Author:	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS	Last Updated: January 23, 2008
Medical Review:	Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics Brad W. Warner, MD - Pediatric Surgery
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