When can an infant's umbilical hernia heal?

Written by Zhang Xian Hua
Pediatrics
Updated on June 27, 2025
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Umbilical hernia in infants is caused by a congenitally weaker abdominal wall around the navel, leading to a protruding navel. This protrusion is more likely to occur when a child cries intensely or has indigestion leading to increased gastrointestinal gas and abdominal pressure. Most umbilical hernias do not require special treatment, as up to 80% of children with an umbilical hernia will see the hernia ring narrow and possibly close naturally as they grow and develop physically, particularly before the age of two. It is sufficient to prevent long periods of intense crying and actively manage conditions that increase abdominal pressure, especially those related to the digestive system. If a child still has a noticeable hernia after the age of two, or if the diameter of the hernia ring exceeds 2 cm, it typically will not heal naturally and surgical treatment may be necessary.

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Written by Zhang Xian Hua
Pediatrics
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How long does it take for an infant umbilical hernia to heal?

Infant umbilical hernia is caused by congenital weakness of the umbilical and abdominal regions, resulting in protrusion of the navel. Generally, it does not require special treatment. This is because up to 80% of infant umbilical hernias will gradually decrease in size as the child ages and physically develops, and the hernial ring may even close, thereby healing naturally. Surgery is usually chosen only if the diameter of the hernia ring is too large, especially if it is more than 2 cm, or if the child is over two years old and still has a noticeable umbilical hernia. Before this, it is usually advisable to avoid situations that could increase abdominal pressure in the child, such as preventing prolonged and intense crying. If the child has gastrointestinal symptoms, they should be treated promptly and actively to prevent repeated protrusion of the umbilical hernia.

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Written by Zeng Hai Jiang
Pediatrics
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Will there still be a lump on the belly button after umbilical hernia surgery?

Umbilical hernia refers to a bulge formed by the contents of the abdominal cavity protruding through a weak spot in the navel area, commonly seen in infants and young children. Most umbilical hernias can heal on their own within the first year as the umbilical fascial ring gradually contracts. Therefore, unless there is incarceration of the hernia, it is possible to observe and use non-surgical treatment before the age of two. When the child reaches two years of age and the diameter of the hernia exceeds 1.5 centimeters, surgical treatment is recommended. After the surgical treatment of the umbilical hernia, the bulge on the belly button will disappear. The surgery involves making a small incision at the lower edge of the navel, freeing the hernial sac, repositioning the herniated contents, and after excising part of the hernial sac at the hernial ring, suturing is performed.

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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 Zeng Hai Jiang
Pediatrics
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Is there no belly button after umbilical hernia surgery?

Umbilical hernia refers to a protrusion formed by abdominal cavity contents through the umbilical ring, commonly seen in infants and young children. Most umbilical hernias can heal on their own within the first year as the umbilical fascial ring gradually contracts. Therefore, non-surgical treatment is mostly adopted to promote healing. However, if the child is over two years old and the diameter of the umbilical hernia exceeds 1.5 centimeters, surgical treatment is recommended. After umbilical hernia surgery, the belly button is still preserved. The surgery generally involves making a small incision at the lower edge of the navel, freeing the hernial sac, repositioning the hernial contents, and after partially excising the hernial sac at the umbilical ring, suturing is performed.

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Written by Zhang Peng
General Surgery
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Is an enlarging umbilical hernia dangerous?

Umbilical hernia is not more dangerous as it gets larger; rather, the larger the umbilical hernia, the less likely it is to heal on its own. During the observation of an umbilical hernia, we need to be vigilant about the possibility of incarceration or rupture. This condition arises because the umbilical ring does not heal and close properly, typically presenting as a raised lump at the navel, which can recede on its own or disappear. Generally, umbilical hernias can heal on their own within the first six months with proper treatment. However, if the diameter of the umbilical ring exceeds 1.5 cm after the age of two, surgical treatment is required. In any case, if the patient is over the age of five and the hernia is still present, surgery is the chosen treatment. In treating umbilical hernias, our conservative approach involves using a coin or a flat board larger than the umbilical ring, wrapping it, and securing it at the umbilical area with adhesive tape to prevent movement, which generally produces good results.