Hernia & Pregnancy: What to Expect if You’re Expecting

April 11, 2019

Pregnancy is a time for joy, anticipation, and more than a little stress as women monitor certain health conditions like gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, high blood pressure, etc. My intention here is not to add to that worry with talk of hernias. Rather, it’s to put your mind at ease that hernias experienced during pregnancy are very routine, manageable and just another “bump” in the road toward parenthood.

Does a Hernia Put the Baby at Risk?

Since this is the #1 concern with expecting parents, it’s best to answer the question right up front – and the answer is “No.” If mom has a hernia with symptoms occurring under the skin, that baby is safe and sound deep in the uterus without any inkling that something is happening elsewhere.

A Hernia Explained

Imagine holding an inflated balloon in your hands. Think of the balloon as your internal tissues and the fingers on your hand as the muscle fibers of your abdominal wall. Press the balloon into your palm and open up a gap between two fingers. The balloon begins to protrude through that gap. That’s exactly what happens with a hernia, as weaknesses in the abdominal wall allow some of your insides to come out.

How Pregnancy Can Relate to Hernias

A woman’s midsection gets bigger and bigger as pregnancy progresses – we all know that. While this is happening, the abdominal wall stretches. This can reveal weaknesses that cause one of three types of hernias.

1. Umbilical Hernias

This is the most common and non-alarming type of hernia during pregnancy. It happens right at your belly button. Usually, a small amount of internal abdominal fat, rather than intestines, bulge through the front of the abdominal wall. It basically turns your “innie” navel into an “outie.” Umbilical hernias during pregnancy cause tenderness to the belly button area. They are mildly inconvenient, yet do not often require medical intervention.

2. Periumbilical or Epigastric Hernias

This type is similar to the umbilical hernia, but happens near your navel and not directly at the belly button. They are usually caused due to weakened abdominal tissues and are common after pregnancy. Periumbilical hernias may induce more significant swelling and may appear very large. Surgical intervention may be necessary if your physician suspects that the hernia has a risk of strangulation.

3. Inguinal Hernias

This is the least common hernia type in women, occurring lower in the groin area where muscles and abdominal wall fibers can stretch due to uterine pressure. Inguinal is the hernia mostly experienced by males.

Hernia Symptoms During Pregnancy

If you have a hernia, you’ll probably notice a soft lump at or near your belly button, or sometimes in the groin area. A dull ache often accompanies the hernia, and it will hurt more when you’re active or if you cough, sneeze, laugh hysterically or bend over.

If your hernia doesn’t cause severe pain or protrude excessively, it will likely repair itself after labor. However, if it begins causing intense pain or sticks out further as time goes by, it may indicate that the hernia has become “incarcerated” or trapped in the abdominal wall. If left untreated, these hernias can very rarely damage your intestines. So, if it hurts a lot, please call your doctor. Also, if nausea and vomiting coincide with a painful hernia bulge that’s red and tender, a trip to the Emergency Room is required.

Hernias During Labor

Most women with hernias can have normal vaginal deliveries. On rare occasions, a hernia can appear during or immediately after labor. This is due to the abdominal pressure required during labor as women push a baby out. If it happens, the physician will assess the proper course of action based on the severity of the hernia.

Are Some Women More at Risk?

Most hernia defects are congenital and present at birth. They’re not noticeable until the hernia defect expands during pregnancy. For others, there are certain factors that can make hernias more likely. They include:

• Carrying multiples babies
• Prior pregnancies, especially those involving long labors
• Having had a previous hernia
• Obesity

Hernia Treatment During Pregnancy

In most cases, doctors will recommend keeping an eye on the hernia without any treatment. If the bulge is bothersome, women can wear a belly band to hold it in. Icing and massaging the hernia back in towards the stomach is also effective.

After labor, there are exercises that help abdominal muscles heal from the strain of pregnancy. If the hernia hasn’t repaired itself after a recommended amount of time, surgery may be considered a few months later.

Surgery during pregnancy is only recommended if the hernia is strangulated, which is rare. Most of the time, hernia repair can wait until after delivery. Options for surgery include mesh or no mesh repairs, depending on the individual patient. If you think you may have a hernia that will require surgery, schedule an appointment with our expert team to come up with an individualized treatment plan.

Umbilical Hernia in Pregnancy: Treatment After and During

There’s a lot to be aware of when you’re pregnant. Changes in your body can sometimes make other rare problems pop up.

One thing that likely never crossed your mind is an umbilical hernia. It’s rare, but it can happen. Also called a naval hernia, this kind of hernia is more common in women — and pregnancy can cause or worsen it.

Only about 0.08 percent of women have an umbilical hernia due to pregnancy. (This is likely not reassuring if you landed on this article because you have one. But let’s reframe it this way: You’re beautifully unique.)

Fortunately, this kind of hernia is usually harmless. About 10 percent of stomach hernias in adults are umbilical hernias. Non-pregnant adults, babies, and toddlers can have an umbilical hernia, too. In fact, it’s more common in these groups than among those who are pregnant.

An umbilical hernia during pregnancy is rare, but in a small percentage of cases, it can be serious. Therefore, if you suspect you have one, you’ll need to see your OB-GYN ASAP.

An umbilical hernia during pregnancy has nothing to do with your growing baby’s umbilical cord. It has more to do with your own umbilical cord — or rather, the one you had before you were born.

Everyone has a belly button because that’s the exact spot where your umbilical cord connected you to your mother. What can’t be seen is the opening through the stomach muscles right under your belly button. This is where the umbilical cord tunneled through on its way out of your body.

After you’re born, this opening through your stomach muscles closes. All that’s left of the umbilical cord is an innie or outie belly button. However, sometimes the tunnel between the muscles stays open or doesn’t close tightly enough.

Adults can get an umbilical hernia if fat or part of the intestine pushes through this weaker opening into the area right under your belly button.

If you’re pregnant, a growing belly and baby means there’s more pressure inside your stomach. The muscles of the stomach wall also become thinner and weaker as they stretch during pregnancy.

The pushing force and weaker muscles can cause an umbilical hernia during pregnancy, or make one worse.

During pregnancy, your previously tiny womb fills up like a balloon. It reaches belly button height in your second trimester — around the 20th to 22nd week. As your womb swells, your intestines are gently pushed to the upper and back parts of your stomach.

This is why umbilical hernias during pregnancy usually don’t happen in the first trimester. They’re more common from the second trimester on.

You’re more likely to get an umbilical hernia during pregnancy if you:

• had an umbilical hernia before you got pregnant
• have naturally weak stomach muscles
• have a natural opening or separation in the stomach muscles
• have overweight or obesity
• have excess fluid in the stomach or body

An umbilical hernia during pregnancy might not cause any symptoms at all. You may notice a bulge or swelling around your belly button. It might be as small as a grape or as large as a grapefruit. You might have:

• swelling or a bump around your belly button that’s more noticeable when you cough
• pressure around your belly button
• pain or tenderness around your belly button

In serious cases, an umbilical hernia might lead to:

• severe pain
• sudden or sharp pain
• vomiting

In a more serious umbilical hernia, part of the intestines can get coiled up inside the opening. This can pinch or squeeze the intestines too much, cutting off blood supply — like when a hose gets twisted and the water stops.

In a worst-case scenario, the umbilical hernia can stop your digestion from working properly or cause other dangerous complications.

If you had an umbilical hernia during another pregnancy or before you got pregnant, it may happen again during this pregnancy.

An umbilical hernia during pregnancy will not harm your little bundle in the oven. However, you are your baby’s lifeboat, and your health is a priority. A serious umbilical hernia can make you very sick without treatment.

A mild umbilical hernia during pregnancy might not need any treatment at all. The swelling around your belly button may only be fat that got pushed between the muscles. It should go away once you deliver.

That said, laparoscopic surgery, which involves small incisions and the use of a camera, is sometimes needed to fix an umbilical hernia. In most cases, general anesthesia is used, and you will not feel a thing.

Treatment for an umbilical hernia during pregnancy depends on how bad it is. If it’s a small one and you aren’t having any symptoms, your OB-GYN will likely decide to wait until you’ve given birth to your baby.

If the hernia is large or causing complications like damaging the intestines or other organs, you may need surgery as soon as possible. In these cases, it’s safest to address the incarcerated hernia rather than wait, even when pregnant, as the benefits outweigh the risk to your pregnancy.

Most OB-GYNs recommend waiting until the second trimester of pregnancy for this surgery if it’s not needed urgently. In other cases, your OB may fix the hernia while you’re delivering your baby via C-section.

After surgery for an umbilical hernia, remember to avoid lifting anything over 10 pounds for up to 6 weeks. A hernia repair can reopen or happen again. If you’ve had a C-section, you know this drill.

Your muscles may still be weak after hernia repair. Stomach muscles can also separate during pregnancy. Talk to your OB-GYN or a physiotherapist about the best way to strengthen these belly muscles once you have fully recovered from the surgery and childbirth.

An umbilical hernia is rare, but if you’re at risk or have had one before, you can help prevent one from happening in future pregnancies. The main idea is to avoid things that add to the natural pressure that your growing belly is already experiencing.

Good strategies include:

• wearing loose clothing that allows for good blood flow, especially around your pelvis and legs
• wearing clothing that gently supports your growing belly, such as pants with elastic waistbands
• using support to pull yourself up when getting up from a sitting or lying down position
• avoiding picking up heavy things — including your toddler, if you have one!
• avoiding climbing too many stairs when you can
• using your hands to help stop or control a hard sneeze or coughing
• putting your feet up when you can
• doing low-impact exercises like walking, stretching, and light yoga

If you think you have an umbilical hernia or your belly button looks or feels funny, see your OB-GYN right away. Let them know if you may have had an umbilical hernia before you were pregnant or during another pregnancy — even if you never had any symptoms.

An umbilical hernia during pregnancy can get worse because of the pressure and weight of carrying a new life. Get emergency care if you have sharp or severe pain, pressure, or vomiting.

causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment

Contents

• 1 Umbilical hernia during pregnancy: how to diagnose and treat?
  • 1.1 Umbilical hernia during pregnancy
  • 1.2 Causes of umbilical hernia during pregnancy
  • 1.3 Symptoms of umbilical hernia during pregnancy
  • 1.4 Diagnosis of umbilical hernia during pregnancy
  • 1.5 Treatment of the navel internal hernia during pregnancy: highlights
    • 1.5.1 Physician supervision
    • 1.5.2 Correction of diet
    • 1.5.3 Physical exercise
    • 1.5.4 Surgery
  • 1.6 Risk of umbilical hernia for pregnant women
  • 1. 7 How to prevent an umbilical hernia during pregnancy
  • 1.8 Giving birth with an umbilical hernia: possible whether?
  • 1.9 Umbilical hernia during pregnancy: postpartum period
    • 1.9.1 Features of the postpartum period after umbilical hernia surgery
    • 1.9.2 Rehabilitation after childbirth with an umbilical hernia
  • 1.10 Specialists involved in the treatment of umbilical hernia during pregnancy
  • 1.11 Popular methods of treating umbilical hernia during pregnancy: advantages and disadvantages
  • 1.12 Related videos: 9000 8
  • 1.13 Q&A :
    • • 1.13.0.1 What is an umbilical hernia and why does it occur during pregnancy?
      • 1.13.0.2 What are the symptoms of an umbilical hernia during pregnancy?
      • 1.13.0.3 How is an umbilical hernia diagnosed during pregnancy?
      • 1.13.0.4 What are the treatments for umbilical hernia during pregnancy?
      • 1.13.0.5 What are the consequences of an untreated umbilical hernia during pregnancy?
      • 1. 13.0.6 How can an umbilical hernia be prevented during pregnancy?

Umbilical hernia during pregnancy: how to correctly diagnose and treat this pathology? Find out all the details in our article, which will help to avoid complications and maintain the health of the expectant mother and baby.

Pregnancy is not only joy and happiness, but also a number of healthy problems. One of them is an umbilical hernia, a condition in which the intestines protrude beyond the boundaries of the muscles of the abdominal wall at the site of the navel. A hernia interferes with the baby’s normal feeding and circulation and can lead to other complications.

Today we will talk about the causes of umbilical hernia, its symptoms, methods of diagnosis and treatment. Be prepared for the fact that about 10% of expectant mothers will have to go through this condition. But do not panic – this problem can be solved both conservatively and surgically, and will not affect the development of your baby’s health in any way.

Umbilical hernia during pregnancy

An umbilical hernia is the formation of a sac due to the protrusion of the viscera through the umbilical annular canal. An umbilical hernia in women during pregnancy can occur due to weakness of the muscles in the abdominal wall and increased pressure in the abdominal cavity.

The main symptom of an umbilical hernia in pregnant women is a bulge in the umbilical region, which may increase with exercise or coughing. Often a pulsation in the area of ​​the protrusion also occurs.

Diagnosis of an umbilical hernia includes a physical examination and, if necessary, an ultrasound. Women need to see a doctor if they notice a bulge in the navel or feel pain in this place.

In the treatment of umbilical hernia during pregnancy, conservative methods are usually used, for example, wearing special dressings or bandages. In some cases, an operation may be required, but it is prescribed only if the hernia progresses and there is a threat of violation of its contents.

Causes of umbilical hernia during pregnancy

An umbilical hernia in pregnant women occurs due to stretching of the muscles and ligaments in the umbilical region as a result of a physiological increase in intra-abdominal pressure. At this time, the growing uterus and fetus put additional pressure on the umbilical ring.

An umbilical hernia is usually not a serious condition and does not require special intervention. However, if the hernia becomes large or painful, it may require surgical repair, which is usually delayed until postpartum.

Symptoms of an umbilical hernia during pregnancy

An umbilical hernia during pregnancy can occur without any symptoms, making it difficult to diagnose. However, some women may experience certain symptoms, such as:

• Visibility of a hernia in the umbilical region. Some women may notice a bulge around their navel that may be sensitive to touch.
• Discomfort or pain in the umbilical region. When the abdominal muscles are stretched to accommodate the growing fetus, women may experience pain or discomfort in the area of ​​the hernia.
• Burning and belching. In some cases, an umbilical hernia can cause burning and belching due to inflammation or irritation in the area of ​​the hernia.
• Increased discomfort under load. Women with an umbilical hernia may experience increased discomfort when exercising, lifting heavy objects, or coughing.

If you notice one or more of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical advice. Only a qualified specialist will be able to give an accurate diagnosis and prescribe the necessary treatment.

Diagnosis of umbilical hernia during pregnancy

It is necessary to determine the presence of umbilical hernia during pregnancy in the early stages in order to avoid possible complications in the following months.

The following procedures are carried out for diagnosis:

1. Doctor’s examination : during pregnancy, the doctor must feel the abdomen, which allows to detect the presence of an umbilical hernia.
2. Ultrasound procedures : Ultrasound allows you to accurately determine the size and location of the umbilical hernia.
3. X-ray : this method is rarely used and only if a more detailed diagnosis is required.
4. Visual inspection : If an umbilical hernia develops during pregnancy, it can be seen by normal looking at the pregnant woman’s abdomen.

After diagnosis, the doctor determines the degree of hernia and possible health risks for the pregnant woman and child. Depending on the results of the diagnosis and the general condition of the patient, the method of treatment of umbilical hernia during pregnancy is chosen.

Treatment of umbilical hernia during pregnancy: highlights

Medical supervision

The treatment of umbilical hernia during pregnancy consists primarily in the supervision of a physician. Consultation with a specialist will help determine the degree of development of the hernia and a possible violation of the blood circulation of the navel.

Correction of diet

Correction of diet is also an important aspect of the treatment of umbilical hernia. It is necessary to exclude foods that have an acidifying effect from the diet, as well as reduce fluid intake.

Exercise

Treatment of an umbilical hernia during pregnancy includes regular exercise appropriate to the state of pregnancy. They help to strengthen the abdominal muscles and will prevent the occurrence of new hernias.

Surgery

If the hernia is severely enlarged and impairs circulation, surgery may be required. However, the operation is recommended only after childbirth, when all the risks for the child will be minimal.

The danger of umbilical hernia for pregnant women

An umbilical hernia is quite common among pregnant women. This condition is characterized by the protrusion of subcutaneous adipose tissue or internal organs through the umbilical ring. This can lead to unpleasant symptoms such as pain and discomfort. But how dangerous is this problem for a pregnant woman and her child?

It is important to note that an umbilical hernia may be a sign of other more serious problems, such as an abdominal hernia or pelvic organ prolapse. Therefore, any symptoms associated with an umbilical hernia should not be ignored and require careful medical examination.

How to prevent an umbilical hernia during pregnancy

An umbilical hernia during pregnancy can be a very unpleasant and painful condition. However, there are several ways to help prevent its occurrence.

• The main way to prevent an umbilical hernia is proper nutrition. It is necessary to eat foods rich in proteins and vitamins, as well as limit the intake of fatty, fried and salty foods.
• You should also stay active and do special exercises for pregnant women to strengthen your abdominal muscles and prevent pressure buildup in your abdomen.
• It is important to watch your weight, because being overweight can increase the risk of developing an umbilical hernia, especially during pregnancy.
• Daily navel hygiene can also help prevent an umbilical hernia. You must be very careful when washing it and prevent injury to the skin in this area.

Following these simple guidelines will help reduce the risk of an umbilical hernia during pregnancy and keep both mother and baby healthy.

Giving birth with an umbilical hernia: is it possible?

An umbilical hernia is a common condition in newborns. It occurs due to improper closure of the umbilical ring, which leads to the formation of a protrusion in the navel. In pregnant women, an umbilical hernia usually occurs for a different reason. It can be caused by stretching of muscle tissue during pregnancy, increased pressure inside the abdominal cavity and hormonal changes in the body.

But is it possible to give birth with an umbilical hernia? Generally speaking, yes – this is not an obstacle to normal childbirth. However, if the hernia has grown to a large size and does not allow normal delivery, then a caesarean section may be required. In addition, a hernia can lead to various complications in a newborn baby. Therefore, before giving birth, a woman should definitely consult a doctor and talk about the presence of an umbilical hernia so that the doctor can prepare and decide how to conduct the birth.

Umbilical hernia during pregnancy: the postpartum period

Features of the postpartum period after the operation to remove the umbilical hernia

After the operation to remove the umbilical hernia during pregnancy, it is necessary to observe the features of the postpartum period. Usually, after such an operation, the mother’s body requires a longer recovery period.

In the first days after childbirth, the mother is advised to remain calm, not to lift weights and to firmly fix the animal cavity, especially in the area of ​​the scar from the operation. To do this, you can use a bandage or a special bandage.

In addition, during this period, it is necessary to monitor the hygiene of the operated area and take measures to prevent constipation, since tension in this area can lead to recurrence of the umbilical hernia.

Rehabilitation after childbirth with the presence of an umbilical hernia

If an umbilical hernia remains after childbirth, then a number of recommendations should be followed by a young mother during postpartum rehabilitation. For example, regularly take drugs that strengthen the abdominal muscles. It is equally important to choose the right diet so as to avoid constipation, which can lead to an increase in hernia.

In addition, it is necessary to monitor the condition of the umbilical ring and not engage in sports exercises that can break the weakening ring.

In general, the rehabilitation of the postpartum period in case of umbilical hernia consists in observing the peculiarities of body care and restrictions in strength and sports activities, the violation of which can lead to exacerbation or re-development of the hernia.

Pregnancy umbilical hernia specialists

If an umbilical hernia occurs during pregnancy, a woman should consult a gynecologist. This specialist conducts an examination, identifies the main symptoms and prescribes additional studies to clarify the diagnosis.

It is important to remember that an umbilical hernia is an abnormality that requires the attention of qualified professionals. You should not postpone a visit to the doctor for later, as pregnancy is a period when the health of mother and baby requires additional control.

Popular treatments for umbilical hernia during pregnancy: advantages and disadvantages

An umbilical hernia during pregnancy is a common condition that often requires treatment. A number of women prefer to use popular methods of treatment, instead of using medications.

One of the most popular methods is to wear a bandage to help support the hernia sac and prevent the hernia from getting bigger. The advantage of this method is its simplicity and the absence of side effects. However, wearing a bandage can cause discomfort, especially while moving.

Another method is the use of therapeutic compresses from herbal infusions. It can be calendula, chamomile, wheatgrass. These herbs have an anti-inflammatory effect and help reduce the size of a hernia. The disadvantage of this method is that its effectiveness is not always scientifically proven.

Massage can also help with an umbilical hernia during pregnancy. It is aimed at strengthening the muscular corset and improving blood circulation. The advantage of this method is its safety and lack of side effects. However, before starting a massage, it is necessary to consult a doctor.

In any case, self-treatment of an umbilical hernia during pregnancy is unacceptable. It is best to consult a gynecologist and get qualified help.

Related videos:

Q&A:

What is an umbilical hernia and why does it occur during pregnancy?

An umbilical hernia is a protrusion of intestinal loops or other organs through a defect in the muscles of the abdominal wall in the umbilical region. In pregnant women, a hernia can occur due to stretching of the muscles and ligaments as a result of an increase in the size of the uterus.

What are the symptoms of an umbilical hernia during pregnancy?

The main symptoms of an umbilical hernia during pregnancy are: protrusion in the umbilical region, enlargement of the hernia with tension in the abdominal wall, pain or pressure in the area of ​​the hernia, discomfort when wearing clothes or during physical exertion.

How is an umbilical hernia diagnosed during pregnancy?

Diagnosis of an umbilical hernia includes a doctor’s examination and abdominal echography. If the hernia is large or difficult to treat, your doctor may order a CT scan.

What are the treatments for umbilical hernia during pregnancy?

Treatment of umbilical hernia during pregnancy may be conservative or surgical. Conservative treatment may include wearing a supportive brace and measures to prevent the hernia from getting larger (avoiding abdominal wall tension). Surgery is recommended if the hernia is large, painful, or a health risk to the mother or baby.

What are the consequences of an untreated umbilical hernia during pregnancy?

If an umbilical hernia is left untreated, there is a risk of it growing in size due to the enlargement of the uterus. This can lead to a violation of the blood supply to the organs, the release of more organs from the hernia and a violation of their functions. In addition, an increase in the size of the hernia can lead to a violation of the thinned skin of the surface of the hernia and its development into a more dangerous intestinal hernia, requiring urgent surgical intervention.

How can an umbilical hernia be prevented during pregnancy?

A healthy lifestyle can help prevent umbilical hernia during pregnancy, including proper nutrition, moderate exercise, weight control, and avoidance of spicy, fried, and fatty foods. In addition, women should avoid overexertion of the abdominal wall, control stress levels and maintain proper posture.

what it is, how to detect it, treatment and prevention, photo

Many parents have heard about this problem. Indeed, an umbilical hernia in a child is one of the most common diseases in childhood that require surgical treatment. Western colleagues, for example, Dr. Charles L. Snyder from the Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas, USA, indicate a predisposition to the development of this pathology in every fourth (!) child, and in 70% of those children whose birth weight was less than 1500 gram [1]. Operation for umbilical hernia in children firmly occupies one of the first places in terms of frequency in the operational activity of any children’s hospital [2].

Especially for the parents of the city of Odintsovo, I will try to tell you in an accessible way about what it is, and how an examination by a pediatric surgeon will help here.

What is an umbilical hernia and how does it form

During fetal development, the fetus grows and gains weight by being fed (and oxygenated) through the umbilical cord, which enters the fetal abdomen at what will become the navel after birth.

Initially, the “belly” of the unborn child is limited only by thin membranes resembling “films”. The muscles of the abdominal wall gradually grow “from the back” on the left and right, closing by the 10th week of pregnancy along the midline of the abdomen. One of the weak points is the navel. After birth in this area, the baby’s abdominal cavity is separated from the external environment only by a thin film of peritoneum on the inside, skin on the outside, and a small amount of tender connective tissue between them.

In the following months after birth, the sheets of the intra-abdominal fascia (dense connective tissue that covers the abdominal muscles from the inside) should grow together with each other (the right sheet with the left). However, due to various reasons, including individual characteristics of the connective tissue, muscle tone, etc., this process can slow down – a “gap” is formed between them, called diastasis.

When a child cries or strains his stomach while sitting on the potty, the pressure in his abdomen rises. This further hinders the closure of the fascial defect. Gradually, it will stretch, and internal organs, for example, the intestine, will begin to “squeeze” there. This is how an umbilical hernia develops, requiring surgical intervention in a hospital setting.

Does this problem apply to your child?

An umbilical hernia can develop at any age – from the first months of life, in adolescence, during pregnancy in women, at forty and sixty years. Most often, a similar problem is observed in children, due to the active growth and development of connective tissue, and in older people, with age, the anterior abdominal wall ceases to perform its function).

In short, anyone can face this problem.

During the first years of life, special attention should be paid to children who are underweight, born prematurely, sick. For them, this is especially important – weakness of the muscles of the anterior abdominal wall, dysplastic processes of the connective tissue cause the incidence of most children in these groups [1].

Infringement of internal organs (which is very dangerous) occurs rarely in children, but it is quite possible. In addition, it should be understood that in the case of an umbilical hernia in a child, the volume of surgery is small, and in adulthood it can be much larger. This is especially true for girls – during a future pregnancy, intra-abdominal pressure will be greatly increased, which can lead to the formation of a large hernia.

Tip: Lay your baby on their stomach 15-20 minutes before feeding. This is a good prevention of the formation of hernias of the anterior abdominal wall, since being in this position helps to strengthen the abdominal muscles.

How to recognize an umbilical hernia

A small discrepancy between the sheets of the fascia (“gap” between them), or a very small hernia that can be closed by massage, you can hardly feel. There are no symptoms and indirect signs that could serve as a clue. For this, there is a consultation of a pediatric surgeon, who examines children in dozens, and may well identify the problem at the stage when you can get by with only conservative treatment-massage. In a controversial case, the doctor can always use ultrasound diagnostics.

A large hernia is a periodically appearing (at times of straining, crying, coughing, physical stress in older children) or a permanent bulge in the child’s navel. This situation 100% requires surgical intervention.

What to do to prevent the formation of an umbilical hernia and in case of suspicion

First of all, it is necessary to undergo an examination by a pediatric surgeon. You can do this at the Odinmed clinic in Odintsovo.

• at the surgeon’s appointment, we reveal the presence of a fascial defect;
• “close” it with a massage;
• we control once a year, after puberty, we forget.

In case of a late visit to a pediatric surgeon with a problem, the doctor conducts an examination and gives a referral for further treatment in the hospital.

A detected fascial defect in the umbilical region must be monitored by a pediatric surgeon before it is closed!

The good news is that most fascial defects and even small hernias close on their own during the first years of a child’s life.