Is it normal for a baby to have an umbilical hernia with a belly button sound?

Written by Zhang Xian Hua
Pediatrics
Updated on June 11, 2025
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Infant umbilical hernia is caused by a congenitally weak abdominal wall around the navel, allowing organs within the abdominal cavity, such as intestines, to protrude through the hernia spot. If bowel sounds are enhanced, one might hear noises from the belly button. This is usually not concerning as long as there is no incarceration. Generally, it is important to avoid causing the child to cry intensely for long periods and to actively treat and prevent gastrointestinal diseases to avoid excessive abdominal pressure that can lead to frequent protrusions from the navel. Most umbilical hernias will gradually close and heal before the age of two as the child grows and their physique develops. Only a small portion of children with a large hernia ring diameter, such as more than two centimeters, or children who still have a noticeable umbilical hernia after the age of two, might require surgical intervention for treatment.

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Written by Zhang Xian Hua
Pediatrics
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How to relieve infant umbilical hernia

Infant umbilical hernia is caused by incomplete development of the abdominal wall at the navel, resulting in a protrusion at the umbilicus. To alleviate this, it is important to prevent the child from crying excessively and avoid gastrointestinal infections. Digestive issues should be treated promptly, as these conditions can increase abdominal pressure and make the protrusion at the umbilicus more pronounced. Other than these precautions, special treatment is generally not required. Typically, an umbilical hernia will narrow and may even close naturally as the child ages. About 80% of children see improvement by the age of two without needing treatment. However, if the hernia has not closed by two years of age, or if the diameter of the hernia ring is greater than 2 centimeters, surgery may be required to resolve it.

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Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
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What should I do about my baby's umbilical hernia?

If your baby has an umbilical hernia, there is no need to panic. Generally speaking, this hernia occurs because the area around the baby's navel is not fully developed, leading to the hernia. It usually becomes more noticeable after crying - clearly protruding, but it can retract after resting. Typically, between one to two years old, the hernia may resolve by itself, so there's no need for special treatment. If you feel compelled to do something, you can buy a belt at a maternity and baby store and place a coin or another hard, flat object beneath it to press down on the navel, which can help the hernia repair sooner. However, if the hernia is large and still protrudes noticeably after the age of two, surgical intervention might be necessary.

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Written by Zhang Xian Hua
Pediatrics
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Will infant umbilical hernia gradually improve?

Umbilical hernias in infants are very likely to heal naturally, as more than 80% of infantile umbilical hernias will gradually reduce in size and possibly even close as the child grows older and their physique develops. Normally, it is only necessary to ensure that the child does not cry intensely for long periods, to promptly treat any digestive system disorders in the child to prevent increased abdominal pressure which can cause frequent protrusion of the hernia and affect its healing. Only a small portion of children require surgical treatment, usually those with a relatively large hernia ring diameter, especially those larger than 2 cm, and children over two years old who still have a very obvious umbilical hernia.

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Written by Zhang Peng
General Surgery
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Is umbilical hernia hereditary?

Umbilical hernia is not a hereditary disease and generally does not occur genetically. Umbilical hernia is due to the incomplete healing of the umbilical ring, causing the abdominal organs to protrude through the umbilical ring, and is a congenital disease. Developmental inadequacies of the navel, or the presence of scar tissue, thinness, and lack of toughness in the navel area can lead to this condition when abdominal pressure increases. In general, children with an umbilical hernia may show discomfort, which can manifest as frequent crying or constipation. For most cases of umbilical hernia, conservative treatment is an option. In children under two years old, surgery can be avoided by using adhesive tape treatment, which can achieve very good therapeutic effects. If the diameter of the umbilical ring is still greater than 1.5 cm after the age of two, timely surgery is necessary. For adults with umbilical hernia, incarceration and strangulation are common, and surgery is recommended as soon as a clear diagnosis is made.

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Written by Zhang Peng
General Surgery
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Can umbilical hernia be treated with moxibustion?

Umbilical hernia is fundamentally a surgical condition. The effectiveness of moxibustion in treating umbilical hernia is generally not very clear, and currently, there is no scientific basis to prove that moxibustion can cure umbilical hernia. Typically, umbilical hernias occur when the umbilical ring does not completely close. In children under six months, a conservative treatment approach is usually chosen. This can involve using a coin or cardboard larger than the umbilical ring, wrapping it to press against the ring, and securing it with adhesive tape to prevent movement. Most patients under six months old can heal naturally. For umbilical hernias, if the child is over two years old and the umbilical ring is still larger than 1.5 cm, surgical treatment is recommended. Moxibustion treatment does not offer significant benefits in the treatment of umbilical hernias. Therefore, as umbilical hernia is a surgical condition, it is advised that patients undergo surgery if their condition permits.