1. What is umbilical hernia in babies?
2. What are the symptoms of umbilical hernia in babies?
3. What are the treatments for umbilical hernia in babies?
4. How to prevent umbilical hernia in babies?
1. What is umbilical hernia in babies?
Umbilical hernia occurs when the muscles around the belly button do not close completely, causing internal organs (such as the small intestine or ovaries) to protrude and form a bulge. In babies, this condition is called an \”umbilical hernia\” because the muscles around the baby\’s belly button are not fully developed before birth. Therefore, when the fetus passes through the mother\’s vagina, this area may become compressed and cause internal organs to push through underdeveloped muscles.
2. What are the symptoms of umbilical hernia in babies?
Most of the time, you can see a small bump near the baby\’s belly button. This bump may become larger or more noticeable and easier to see when the baby cries or strains to have a bowel movement. If you press gently on this bump, you may feel your baby\’s internal organs. Other symptoms may include:
1. Belly bulge
2. Vomiting or discomfort
3. The bumps become larger or harder
3. What are the treatments for umbilical hernia in babies?
Umbilical hernia is a self-limiting condition in most babies and usually goes away without treatment. But if your baby\’s umbilical hernia is large or persistent, your doctor may recommend surgery.
Surgery is usually performed on babies between 3 months and 1 year old, because at this age, the child\’s body is strong enough to withstand the surgery and the muscles are fully developed. The surgery is usually done under local anesthesia and requires a period of hospitalization for observation.
4. How to prevent umbilical hernia in babies?
Because umbilical hernias are caused by underdeveloped muscles, they cannot be completely prevented. However, the following measures can reduce the risk of developing an umbilical hernia:
1. Lift your children gently when picking them up
2. Avoid letting the baby cry excessively, as this will increase abdominal pressure
3. Avoid wearing tight clothes or diapers for babies
4. Make sure the baby’s head is slightly higher than the body when feeding
In summary, umbilical hernia is a common baby condition but usually has no long-term effects on the child\’s health. If you notice anything unusual about your baby, be sure to seek medical attention immediately.
