How to relieve pain from baby's umbilical hernia?

Written by Liu Li

Pediatrics

Updated on May 23, 2025

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If the child exhibits symptoms of umbilical hernia pain, this condition can be treated conservatively. Normally, after birth, babies will experience minor umbilical hernias, which are a normal physiological reaction and do not require treatment.

Generally, by the time the child reaches about two years old, the umbilical hernia will gradually resolve on its own. It is also essential to ensure that the child remains emotionally stable and does not frequently cry. If the hernia has not fully resolved after the age of two, some reparative methods should be used for treatment.

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Written by Zhang Peng

General Surgery

1min 7sec

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Is hot compress useful for umbilical hernia?

In cases of umbilical hernia, applying heat generally has no effect. For infants, it is often acceptable to observe conservatively until the child is about two years old. Adhesive tape therapy can be used in this period. By the age of two, the umbilical ring in most children will close on its own. For those over two years old with an umbilical ring diameter still greater than 1.5 cm, surgery should be considered. For patients over five years old, it is generally recommended to undergo surgery sooner rather than later. In adults, the causes of umbilical hernias are mainly due to factors such as pregnancy, excessive fat in the greater omentum, chronic coughing, cirrhosis with ascites, etc., which increase abdominal pressure. Incarceration can occur, involving either the greater omentum or the small intestine, and surgery is usually the chosen treatment method, either through traditional tissue repair techniques or open tension-free hernia repair. In some cases, laparoscopic umbilical hernia repair may be chosen when necessary.

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Written by Zeng Hai Jiang

Pediatrics

50sec

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Early symptoms and manifestations of umbilical hernia

Umbilical hernia is a common umbilical disease, characterized by the hernial sac protruding through the umbilical ring. This condition has a higher incidence rate in infants. As infants grow older, most cases can be resolved, but a few children may require surgical intervention. Early signs of umbilical hernia include a soft bulge and protrusion at the navel. The protrusion at the umbilical area may increase when the infant cries, coughs, defecates, or struggles due to increased abdominal pressure, and it can decrease or disappear when the infant is calm and asleep. However, if the child experiences severe abdominal pain or vomiting, this could be an indication of incarcerated umbilical hernia, and it is crucial to seek medical attention immediately.

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Written by Zhang Xian Hua

Pediatrics

52sec

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Can you massage the belly for infant umbilical hernia?

Umbilical hernia in infants is due to congenital thinning of the abdominal wall around the navel. When abdominal pressure increases, the navel protrudes, forming an umbilical hernia. It is acceptable to gently rub the belly during an episode of umbilical hernia, as this can promote intestinal motility and facilitate the expulsion of gas from the gastrointestinal tract. This can reduce abdominal pressure and minimize the hernia, improving the child's comfort and clinical symptoms. Umbilical hernias generally do not require special treatment. It is important to prevent prolonged and intense crying in children and actively prevent and treat gastrointestinal disorders. Typically, as the child ages, the umbilical hernia will heal naturally, and only a small number of children might require surgical treatment.

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Written by Zhang Xian Hua

Pediatrics

52sec

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How many months can an infant umbilical hernia heal?

Umbilical hernia in infants is caused by congenital development of the umbilical area and weak abdominal muscles, leading to protrusion of the umbilicus. This protrusion is more likely to occur when the child cries intensely, has digestive issues, or experiences increased pressure in the gastrointestinal tract. The majority of umbilical hernias heal on their own as the child ages; small hernial rings may heal within a few months, and about 80% of slightly larger hernias heal by the age of two. However, a small number of children with umbilical hernias, especially those with a hernial ring diameter greater than 2 cm, usually cannot heal on their own. Generally, if a noticeable umbilical hernia still exists after the age of two, surgical treatment may be necessary, though no special treatment is typically needed before that.

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Written by Zeng Hai Jiang

Pediatrics

48sec

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What should be paid attention to after umbilical hernia surgery?

Umbilical hernia refers to the protrusion of abdominal contents through the umbilical ring. Mostly seen in infants and young children, a majority of umbilical hernias can gradually heal through the contraction of the umbilical fascial ring. Therefore, before the age of two, except in cases of incarcerated hernias, most are treated non-surgically to promote healing. If the child is over two years old and the diameter of the hernia exceeds 1.5 cm, surgical treatment is adopted. After surgery, it is necessary to persist with abdominal muscle exercises to increase the child's resistance, prevent an increase in intra-abdominal pressure, reduce the recurrence of infantile umbilical hernias, and in terms of diet, it is advisable to avoid foods that might cause constipation.