Umbilical Hernia in a baby

When DD went for her 1 year checkup we were told she had an umbilical hernia. When she uses her muscles, like in laughing, sitting, crying it sticks out like the size of a large grape or even a peach pit. The Dr said it was no big deal and she would probably want it fixed for cosmetic reasons as a teen. I have since then been told by numerous people that it is dangerous. Does anyone have any experience with this in there child? Any advice is appreciated. TIA

Re: Umbilical Hernia in a baby

DS had this when he was born. It went away on it's own. Dr. had said that if it didn't go away he would probably need a cosmetic surgery at some point. A friend of mine has a DD who has this too. It's pretty common in babies, especially those born early.

There are some occasions that it is more serious, but if your Dr. isn't concerned then I don't think I would be. If anything, is there more than one dr. in your ped's office? You could always see more than one dr. to see what others say.

Is your friend saying the hernia is dangerous or the surgery?

Re: Umbilical Hernia in a baby

My DS has had an umbilical hernia since he was an infant---it was quite large at first and now its a bit smaller---its out all the time and about the size of a grape at this point. I was told by my ped and by his surgeon (we see for another reason) that it will likely go away on its own and if it doesn't by the time he is 3 or 4 we will talk about repairing it. We were never told it was dangerous. It actually quite common in little ones, my niece had one too and it went away. As far as people telling you it was dangerous, did they give you a reason? The only thing I can think of is if it incarcerates, meaning the abdominal contents get stuck in the sac, which makes the hernia very hard, painful & sometimes red, but this is a small risk with any kind of hernia. HTH!

Re: Umbilical Hernia in a baby

Posted by lc214

DS had this when he was born. It went away on it's own. Dr. had said that if it didn't go away he would probably need a cosmetic surgery at some point.

Re: Umbilical Hernia in a baby

DS has the same thing. Over time it has gotten a lot better - the dr. said that if it is not gone by 5 we could discuss fixing it.

I think, though I am not 100% sure, that people who are telling you it is dangerous are thinking of umbilical hernias in adults which are different.

Re: Umbilical Hernia in a baby

DD is 21 months and has one. Dr said it is fine and will probably clear up on it's own. The only treatment needed would be cosmetic if desired later in life.

I had one and I have an outy belly button. It was never a big deal for me.

Re: Umbilical Hernia in a baby

DS had it and I was told that it would go away on its own (which it did by the time he was 1 year old) but if it didn't, they would consider surgery when he was about 3 or 4. I was never told that it was dangerous.

Re: Umbilical Hernia in a baby

My 1 son had it --- he is a twin and was 6 weeks premature, which can sometimes bring it on.
But it got very big--- I mean literally about the size of a quarter and stuck out a lot--- He is now 22 months old and it still sticks out more than usual however not to the point i would do cosmetic surgery it does not hurt him so it doesnt bother me... It went down a lot since he was an infant. There is no pain at all... Most times the dr told me it is completly gone by approx 5 yrs old.

Re: Umbilical Hernia in a baby

DD had this, but it went away on it's own. My ped said usually it goes away during the first couple of years and if not they can fix it.

Re: Umbilical Hernia in a baby

DD had this and our Ped said it was no concern. She would check it every time. They usually clear up on their own.

My ped said that it's after 2 that if it hadn't gone away or showed signs of going away, then we might start to discuss fixing it. DD's has since healed.

But don't worry, it'll heal