Will an infant's umbilical hernia heal by itself?

Written by Zhang Xian Hua

Pediatrics

Updated on March 11, 2025

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Infant umbilical hernia is a congenital disease, caused by a weak abdominal wall around the navel, leading to a protrusion at the navel. However, over 80% of infant umbilical hernias will, before the age of two, gradually heal as the hernial ring narrows and closes due to growth in age and physical development, achieving self-healing. Only a small portion require surgery. If an infant still has a noticeable umbilical hernia at the age of two, or if the hernial ring diameter is greater than 2 cm, then surgery is necessary.

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Written by Zhang Xian Hua

Pediatrics

49sec

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Does infant umbilical hernia need treatment?

Infant umbilical hernia is caused by poor congenital development of the navel, resulting in protrusion of the umbilicus. Usually, as the child ages, the hernial ring gradually narrows and closes, and 80% of such cases can close on their own. However, there are a few cases, such as those where the hernial ring diameter is too large, especially more than 2cm, or those that do not close by the age of two, which require surgical treatment. During this period, it is usually necessary to avoid situations that may cause increased abdominal pressure in the child, leading to protrusion of the navel, such as preventing the child from crying intensely. For instance, if the child exhibits gastrointestinal symptoms, they should be taken to the doctor for timely examination and treatment.

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Written by Zhang Peng

General Surgery

1min 6sec

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How to determine if it is an umbilical hernia?

The most typical symptom of an umbilical hernia is a protruding lump at the navel, which generally disappears on its own when the patient is sleeping soundly or lying flat. In most cases in children, the lump can enlarge and may become firmer when crying, standing, or straining the abdomen. It tends to reduce or even disappear during rest. Most adults become aware of the condition in children while doing laundry or bathing. In adults, umbilical hernias mostly occur due to conditions like pregnancy, excessive fat, chronic coughing, severe liver cirrhosis, ascites, etc. Adult umbilical hernias are prone to incarceration and strangulation, therefore, surgery is generally recommended as soon as possible. In children, conservative treatment methods can be adopted before the age of two, as the chances of incarceration are relatively low. Before two years of age, a coin or cardboard larger than the umbilical ring is used, held against the umbilical ring and secured with adhesive tape; this usually leads to spontaneous closure.

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Written by Zhang Xian Hua

Pediatrics

59sec

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What are good remedies for infant umbilical hernia?

Umbilical hernia in infants is caused by congenital underdevelopment of the abdominal muscles, forming a bulge beneath the skin due to abdominal distension protruding from the umbilicus. In fact, it usually does not require special treatment. Most umbilical hernias will gradually narrow and shrink within the first year after birth as the infant's nutrition and physique improve and the abdominal muscles develop, typically leading to natural closure with a very good prognosis. In daily care, it is important to prevent the child from crying loudly, especially when the child has gastrointestinal diseases and increased intestinal gas, which should be actively treated to minimize the herniation and to reduce it back when it does protrude. With such care, the chances of natural healing increase. However, if the child is over four years old and the hernia sac is still relatively large, surgical repair might be necessary.

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Written by Zhang Xian Hua

Pediatrics

1min 4sec

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Does infant umbilical hernia affect bowel movements?

Infant umbilical hernia is caused by a congenital weakness in the abdominal wall at the navel, which leads to the protrusion of the umbilicus, typically occurring when there is an increase in abdominal pressure. When it protrudes, it may slightly affect bowel movements. If an umbilical hernia becomes incarcerated, it can lead to intestinal obstruction and prevent the passing of stool. In such cases, steps should be taken to reduce the hernia. If conventional measures fail, it is necessary to seek medical attention at a hospital, specifically from a pediatric surgery emergency department, to address the issue. Otherwise, it could lead to serious digestive tract problems. Normally, an umbilical hernia does not affect bowel movements. However, it is also important to prevent children from crying intensely and for prolonged periods, and actively treat any indigestion, diarrhea, or constipation to prevent increased abdominal and intra-abdominal pressure, which can lead to the protrusion affecting the natural closure of the child's umbilical hernia.

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Written by Tang Da Wei

General Surgery

40sec

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How to press back an umbilical hernia?

Umbilical hernias are generally more common in newborns, primarily because the umbilical ring has not yet completely closed. In children, lumps appear in the navel area when they cry or when abdominal pressure increases. To address an umbilical hernia, first massage the area around the belly button, then gently return the hernial sac to the abdominal cavity with both hands. After returning the hernia, secure it externally with a hernia belt. This can effectively prevent the recurrence of the umbilical hernia. Typically, through conservative treatment, which involves this method of binding for about one to two months, the patient’s umbilical hernia can heal on its own.