Umbilical Hernia Specialists in Maharashtra
An umbilical hernia is a protrusion of abdominal contents through the muscle ring at the navel, appearing as a soft bulge at or near the belly button. It is esp…
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What is Umbilical Hernia?
An umbilical hernia is a protrusion of abdominal contents through the muscle ring at the navel, appearing as a soft bulge at or near the belly button. It is especially common in infants, where the opening through which the umbilical cord passed before birth fails to close completely, and often resolves on its own within the first few years of life. In adults, it typically develops due to increased pressure within the abdomen combined with weakening of the abdominal wall over time. The bulge may become more prominent with crying, coughing, or straining.
Mild
Common in infants (self-resolving in most cases) and moderately common in adults, particularly those who are overweight or have had multiple pregnancies
No
Causes of Umbilical Hernia
In infants, results from incomplete closure of the umbilical ring after birth; in adults, it develops from chronic increased abdominal pressure combined with weakened abdominal wall tissue. Risk factors include obesity, multiple pregnancies, ascites (fluid accumulation in the abdomen), chronic coughing, and prior abdominal surgery. Connective tissue weakness and repeated heavy straining also contribute.
Symptoms of Umbilical Hernia
Soft bulge at the navel that may protrude further with crying or straining, mild discomfort or aching around the belly button, bulge that reduces when lying down, visible swelling that becomes firmer if trapped, nausea and pain if the hernia becomes incarcerated
Treatment & Types of Umbilical Hernia in Maharashtra
In infants, most umbilical hernias close spontaneously by age four or five and only require surgical repair if they persist beyond this age or grow large. In adults, surgical repair with mesh reinforcement is generally recommended, especially for larger or symptomatic hernias, to prevent complications such as incarceration. Emergency surgery is required if the hernia becomes strangulated, cutting off blood supply to trapped tissue.
Umbilical hernias are classified by the age and cause of onset: congenital or infantile umbilical hernia, resulting from incomplete closure of the umbilical ring after birth and often resolving spontaneously by age four or five, versus acquired umbilical hernia in adults, developing from chronic increased abdominal pressure combined with weakened abdominal wall tissue over time. They are also graded by size and reducibility, with small, easily reducible hernias generally lower risk than large or irreducible ones, which carry a higher risk of incarceration requiring urgent surgical attention.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Will my baby's umbilical hernia go away on its own?
Most umbilical hernias in infants close spontaneously by age four or five as the abdominal muscles strengthen, and surgical repair is generally only considered if the hernia persists beyond this age or grows notably large. Regular pediatric checkups can monitor the hernia's size and confirm it's following the expected pattern of gradual closure.
Do adults with umbilical hernias always need surgery?
Surgical repair with mesh reinforcement is generally recommended for adults, especially for larger or symptomatic hernias, to prevent complications such as incarceration, since unlike in infants, adult umbilical hernias don't resolve on their own. A surgeon can advise on timing based on the hernia's size and symptoms.
What does it mean if a hernia becomes 'strangulated'?
Strangulation occurs when the hernia becomes trapped and blood supply to the trapped tissue is cut off, causing nausea and significant pain, and this requires emergency surgery since the trapped tissue can be permanently damaged if not treated urgently. This is why any sudden increase in pain or firmness of a previously soft, reducible hernia bulge needs immediate medical attention.
What increases the risk of developing an umbilical hernia as an adult?
Obesity, multiple pregnancies, ascites (fluid accumulation in the abdomen), chronic coughing, and prior abdominal surgery all increase risk by placing sustained pressure on a weakened abdominal wall. Managing these underlying factors, where possible, can help reduce the risk of hernia development or recurrence after repair.
Is it safe to exercise with an umbilical hernia?
Gentle activity is generally fine, but heavy lifting or straining exercises can worsen the bulge or increase discomfort, so using proper technique when lifting and avoiding excessive straining during bowel movements are sensible precautions. A doctor can advise on activity modifications appropriate for the specific size and symptoms of the hernia.