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 Zeng Hai Jiang

Pediatrics

51sec

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Can an umbilical hernia be treated with a belly button patch?

Umbilical hernia refers to the protrusion of abdominal contents through the umbilical ring, commonly seen in infants and young children. Most of these hernias are reducible and incarceration is rare. The majority of umbilical hernias can heal on their own within the first year through gradual contraction of the umbilical fascial ring. Therefore, unless incarceration occurs, non-surgical treatment aimed at promoting healing, such as the use of umbilical patches and hernia belts, can be adopted before the age of two. However, since infants and young children have delicate skin, it is important to monitor for any skin allergies. If the child is older than two years and the diameter of the umbilical hernia exceeds 1.5 cm, surgical treatment should be considered.

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Written by Tang Da Wei

General Surgery

45sec

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What impact does an umbilical hernia have on a baby?

Umbilical hernia mainly manifests in children as a bulge at the belly button, primarily containing small intestine. If an umbilical hernia is not treated in a timely manner, it may gradually enlarge when the child cries or when intra-abdominal pressure increases, leading to more of the small intestine protruding outside of the abdominal cavity. This can potentially cause localized intestinal obstruction, impacting the child's intestinal absorption capabilities and leading to weight loss. If a significant portion of the intestine protrudes and becomes incarcerated, it could cause intestinal obstruction or necrosis, necessitating surgical removal of the necrotic intestine in a hospital.

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Written by Zhang Xian Hua

Pediatrics

43sec

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Is an umbilical hernia in infants serious?

Infant umbilical hernia is caused by a weak abdominal wall around the navel, which is underdeveloped, leading to protrusion. This is prone to happen when intra-abdominal pressure is high. Therefore, it's usually sufficient to avoid intense crying in children and actively treat gastrointestinal diseases without special treatment. This is because 80% of infants will naturally see the hernia ring narrow, or even close by itself by the age of two, leading to healing. Only a few children, if the hernia ring diameter is large, more than 2 cm, or if the umbilical hernia is still evident after the child turns two, will require surgical treatment.

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Written by Zhang Peng

General Surgery

54sec

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Will an umbilical hernia hurt?

Umbilical hernia can cause pain, especially during incarceration and strangulation. Generally, umbilical hernias are caused by factors such as pregnancy, excessive omental fat, chronic coughing, and severe constipation. A sudden increase in abdominal pressure may lead to the incarceration of the omentum or intestines, causing significant pain and hardening of the hernial mass. In such cases, emergency surgery may be necessary. For adults, traditional tissue repair or open tension-free hernia repair is generally chosen, while minimally invasive treatment options may be selected for specific groups. In children, umbilical hernias are typically observed conservatively, and if the umbilical ring remains larger than 1.5cm after the age of two, surgery should be considered.

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Written by Zhang Xian Hua

Pediatrics

55sec

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Can infant umbilical hernia be cured?

Infant umbilical hernia is caused due to the weak abdominal wall around the navel and inadequate prenatal development. About 80% of infant umbilical hernias will gradually decrease and close as the child grows older and their physique develops. During this period, it is sufficient to avoid increased abdominal pressure, typically by preventing prolonged and intense crying in the child, and by actively treating gastrointestinal diseases that increase gas and abdominal pressure. Previously, children were often treated using umbilical hernia belts; however, there is now scientific evidence showing these are ineffective. Conversely, improper use of an umbilical hernia belt can cause damage to the child's abdominal skin. If the child's hernia has not healed by age two, or if the hernia ring is larger than 2 cm in diameter, surgical treatment may be necessary.