Can you massage your abdomen with an umbilical hernia?

Written by Dong Xian Yan
Pediatrics
Updated on May 23, 2025
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You can rub the belly for umbilical hernia.

An umbilical hernia is a hernia that protrudes through the navel, known as an umbilical hernia, which is more common in infants. Infant umbilical hernias tend to heal on their own, and most do not require surgical treatment. Adult umbilical hernias are more often related to increased abdominal pressure. Most infant umbilical hernias are due to congenital developmental defects, where the umbilical ring does not completely close, or the scar tissue at the navel is weak and not strong enough. Under conditions of increased abdominal pressure, the internal organs can protrude through the navel to form a hernia.

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Written by Zhang Peng
General Surgery
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Does an umbilical hernia affect a baby's gastrointestinal system?

Umbilical hernia generally does not affect a baby's gastrointestinal tract, but we need to avoid the hernia becoming trapped or even rupturing. Once an umbilical hernia has formed, the hernial sac may contain abdominal omentum or possibly intestines. If the intestines become trapped, this can lead to necrosis of the intestines. Generally, patients may experience nausea, vomiting, or even bloody stools. Therefore, umbilical hernias can usually be treated conservatively within the first six months. If the diameter of the umbilical ring is still greater than 1.5 cm after the age of two, we recommend early surgical intervention, as only surgical treatment can cure it. In the treatment process of an umbilical hernia, the conservative treatment methods adopted mainly involve using a coin or a flat board larger than the umbilical ring, wrapping it to press against the umbilical ring, and then securing it with wide tape to prevent movement.

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Written by He Zong Quan
General Surgery
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Does pressing on an umbilical hernia hurt?

Umbilical hernias often occur because there is a weak spot near the navel and a defect in the abdominal wall, allowing abdominal contents to protrude through this weak spot and form a lump on the surface. If the hernia is not strangulated, the contents can be reduced when the patient lies flat, causing no obvious symptoms. However, if the protruding contents cannot be reduced, there may be strangulation or the hernial ring may be too small. Pressing on the protruding lump at this time may cause pain. This pain generally becomes more pronounced the longer the protrusion persists. Of course, if the hernia is completely strangulated, causing circulatory problems, the pain may significantly decrease, but this does not indicate an improvement in condition. Therefore, if an umbilical hernia becomes painful upon pressing, surgical treatment should be considered to avoid complications.

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Written by Dong Xian Yan
Pediatrics
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The umbilical hernia in the baby healed, but occurred again after two months. What should I do?

The baby's umbilical hernia had healed for two months but reappeared, indicating that the umbilical ring has not closed and the hernia has not completely healed. Therefore, in daily life, it is important to minimize the child's crying, tantrums, and vigorous exercise, and avoid getting cold or sick as much as possible to prevent severe coughing. Attention should be paid to the intake of foods rich in vitamins and cellulose, such as fresh vegetables and fruits. Drink plenty of water, maintain smooth bowel movements, and follow a light diet. Avoid eating cold and spicy foods.

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Written by Zhang Xian Hua
Pediatrics
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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 Ai Min
Pediatrics
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Symptoms of infant umbilical hernia

Infant umbilical hernia refers to a large protrusion at the navel of an infant, generally composed of the remaining umbilical cord and a part of the intestine. Typically, if the protrusion is not very large, such as less than one centimeter, it usually does not include the intestines. However, if it is particularly noticeable and large, there might be protrusion of the intestines, hence the area may feel bloated when touched. An infant umbilical hernia may cause localized accumulation of the intestines, and some children might cry and show signs of pain while feeding. However, generally speaking, most umbilical hernias do not have obvious symptoms, and there is no need for excessive worry. As the child ages, there is a possibility of improvement, and the hernia might heal on its own.