What Is an Umbilical Hernia?
An umbilical hernia happens when part of the intestine or fatty tissue pushes through a weak spot in the abdominal muscles near the belly button (navel).
This weak area usually forms where the umbilical cord passed through before birth. If the muscles do not close completely, a hernia can develop.
Umbilical hernias are very common in babies and usually close on their own. In adults, they can develop due to increased pressure in the abdomen and often require surgery.
Symptoms of Umbilical Hernia
Common Symptoms
Soft bulge or swelling near the belly button
Bulge becomes more noticeable when coughing, crying, or straining
Bulge reduces or disappears when lying down
Mild pain or tenderness (more common in adults)
Feeling of pressure or aching near the navel
Serious Symptoms (Seek Immediate Care)
Severe pain around the belly button
Nausea and vomiting
Hernia becomes hard, painful, or discolored
Inability to push the bulge back in
Causes of Umbilical Hernia
In Infants
Incomplete closure of abdominal muscles after birth
In Adults
Obesity or excess body weight
Multiple pregnancies
Fluid buildup in the abdomen (ascites)
Previous abdominal surgery
Chronic coughing or sneezing
Heavy lifting
Constipation or straining during urination
Risk Factors
Infants
Premature birth
Low birth weight
Family history
Adults
Obesity
Female gender
Multiple pregnancies
Chronic cough or lung disease
Chronic constipation
Liver disease with ascites
Heavy lifting jobs
Smoking
Benefits of Umbilical Hernia Repair
Prevents serious medical complications – Eliminates risks of strangulation, bowel obstruction, organ damage, and emergency surgery.
Relieves pain and discomfort – Reduces pressure, aching, and pain during movement, coughing, or daily activities.
Restores abdominal wall strength – Improves core stability and supports normal physical function.
Safe and effective for all age groups – Simple, safe surgery when needed, with excellent long-term outcomes and minimal scarring.
Improves physical activity and mobility – Enables bending, lifting, exercise, sports, yoga, and gym workouts comfortably.
Enhances cosmetic appearance and confidence – Removes the belly button bulge, restores natural navel shape, and improves clothing fit.
When Should You See a Doctor?
For infants, consult a pediatrician if the hernia is larger than 1-2cm, causes obvious pain or crying, hasn't closed by age 3-4 years, or becomes incarcerated. For adults, seek immediate care for sudden severe pain around the navel, nausea and vomiting, inability to push hernia back in, hernia becoming firm and tender, or discoloration of the bulge. Schedule an appointment if you notice a bulge near your navel or experience increasing discomfort. Most infant umbilical hernias close naturally by age 2, but adult hernias require surgical repair.
Emergency care is required if pain is severe or accompanied by vomiting or discoloration.