Umbilical Hernia in Infants and Pregnancy

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An Introduction to the Umbilical Hernia in Infants and Pregnancy

What Is a Umbilical Hernia in Babies?

Umbilical hernias are a common complication in newborns. They are the result of a rupture in the umbilical cord that is covered by the amniotic fluid. Umbilical hernias can be diagnosed during pregnancy, but they often go unnoticed until after birth when they become visible and cause discomfort. Umbilical hernia occurs when the umbilical cord separates from the body of an infant before birth. This causes a gap in the belly button and an opening between the navel and lower abdomen.

Umbilical hernias are a common complication in newborns and although they can be diagnosed during pregnancy, they often go unnoticed until after birth when they become visible. Oftentimes umbilical hernias are treated with surgery during the first days to weeks of life. Umbilical hernias are not painful and typically do not cause any other symptoms. If underlying medical conditions such as a weak abdominal muscle and/or obesity, or trauma has left the umbilical cord in an abnormal position, umbilical hernias may cause discomfort in the area near the navel that surrounds or contains part of the herniated intestines. In some cases, umbilical hernias may cause discomfort in the lower abdomen and groin.

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