Does infant umbilical hernia affect bowel movements?

Written by Zhang Xian Hua
Pediatrics
Updated on May 06, 2025
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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 Tong Peng
Pediatrics
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What should I do if my baby's umbilical hernia doesn't go away?

Umbilical hernia in children is mainly caused by an unsealed navel ring. Its treatment should be based on specific clinical symptoms and age. If the hernia does not retract, it can be treated conservatively or surgically. Conservative treatment involves returning the hernia contents to the abdominal cavity and using an object the size of a coin, wrapped externally with gauze, to hold it in place and prevent movement. Generally, umbilical hernias in infants under six months can be cured with conventional treatment methods, and the treatment effect is very good. However, if the diameter of the navel ring exceeds 1.5 cm after the age of two, surgical treatment should be considered. For children over five years of age who still have symptoms of an umbilical hernia, conservative treatment is ineffective, and surgery should be performed as soon as possible. Umbilical hernias are a common condition, but not serious, requiring only dynamic observation and timely medical treatment if severe.

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Written by Zhang Xian Hua
Pediatrics
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Does infant umbilical hernia require surgery?

If an infant's umbilical hernia still shows obvious protrusion after two years of age, surgery is required. Another scenario that necessitates surgery is if the diameter of the hernia ring of the infant's umbilical hernia is relatively large, such as more than 2cm, as generally, it cannot heal by itself. However, over 80% of infant umbilical hernias do not require special treatment or surgery. As age increases and nutrition is maintained, the subcutaneous tissues around the abdominal wall's umbilical hernia ring can repair and narrow, leading to healing.

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Written by Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
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Can umbilical hernia be vaccinated against?

After the birth of a child, it is necessary to vaccinate on schedule. There are some situations where vaccination is not possible. When a child has an umbilical hernia, it means that there is a protrusion at the navel, with abdominal contents pushing through a weak spot around the navel, forming an umbilical hernia. Umbilical hernias in children do not affect the vaccination of various vaccines, so parents can take their children to the local vaccination department to get vaccinated on schedule. At the same time, try to avoid letting the child cry loudly, as most umbilical hernias in children can heal by themselves within two years. Only more severe umbilical hernias may require surgical treatment. Therefore, parents can rest assured and take their children for vaccinations on time, as the umbilical hernia does not affect vaccination.

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Written by Dong Xian Yan
Pediatrics
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Why does the baby's umbilical hernia make a sound when pressed?

When pressing on a baby's umbilical hernia, a sound may be heard, primarily because the contents of the hernia are the intestines, most commonly the small intestine. Digestive fluids and gases are present in the intestines, so when pressed, the movement of gas through the digestive fluid can easily produce a sound, which is normal. The occurrence of an umbilical hernia in babies is mainly due to the incomplete development of the abdominal wall muscles and the umbilical ring not being fully closed. This allows internal organs like the intestines and mesentery to protrude through the umbilical ring, leading to symptoms of an umbilical hernia. After the appearance of an umbilical hernia, most children's hernias close on their own within the first year, with only a minority requiring surgical treatment.

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Written by Li Chang Yue
General Surgery
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The difference between umbilical hernia and umbilical sinus.

The main difference between umbilical hernia and umbilical sinus is that an umbilical hernia is primarily due to the weakness of the tissues around the navel. When the intra-abdominal pressure of a patient increases, it can easily cause intestinal contents to protrude through the weak umbilical ring. On the other hand, an umbilical sinus generally refers to certain secretions that form around the navel after the scab falls off post-birth in newborns, which sometimes can easily lead to infections. This condition is not caused by weakness of the navel but is likely related to localized infections after the umbilical cord is cut. Therefore, the mechanisms of these two conditions are different. Generally, an umbilical hernia requires surgical treatment, while an umbilical sinus can be completely healed by controlling the infection, and it does not pose significant harm.