The definition of a 'hernia' is the abnormal protrusion of part of the body, through an opening, or 'weak spot', of the body structure that normally contains it. The opening, or weakness, permits the part of the body to 'herniate', or to bulge through it. Although a hernia can occur in many parts of the body, it is most common in the abdomen.
Occasionally, a newborn baby will be born with a hernia. The three most common places that hernias can appear are the navel, groin and diaphragm. These are known as an:
Umbilical hernia (navel)
Inguinal hernia (groin)
Hiatus hernia (diaphragm)
Umbilical hernia (navel)
An umbilical hernia is usually harmless, painless and rarely needs treatment. They are more likely to be seen in premature babies and for some reason, are more common for baby girls.
During early development of the baby inside the womb, the baby's intestines grow more rapidly than their abdominal cavity. For a short period of time, in the very early weeks, the intestines normally sit in a sac outside the baby's abdomen, around their umbilical cord. By the time the woman is 6 to 7 weeks pregnant, the intestines have moved into the baby's growing abdomen, with the abdominal wall closing behind it. Occasionally, the abdominal wall does not close solidly, leaving a weakness around the area of the umbilical cord. If this occurs, a small part of the baby's intestine can protrude through the gap, looking like a lump or a bulge, covered with the baby's skin.
Umbilical hernias cannot burst, and they do not interfere with the baby's digestion, nor do they cause
colic. When touched, the umbilical hernia will feel soft and spongy and can even be gently pushed in, but will pop straight out again. When the baby coughs, cries, or strains, this increases pressure inside their abdomen, causing the lump to protrude further and look larger.
As the baby grows, their abdominal muscles strengthen and grow closer together.