Risk factors

By Mayo Clinic Staf

Umbilical hernias are most common in infants especially
premature babies and those with low birth weights. Black infants
appear to have a slightly increased risk of umbilical hernias. The
condition afects boys and girls equally.
For adults, being overweight or having multiple pregnancies may
increase the risk of developing an umbilical hernia. This type of
hernia tends to be more common in women.

Complications
By Mayo Clinic Staf

For children, complications of an umbilical hernia are rare. Complications

can occur when the protruding abdominal tissue becomes trapped
(incarcerated) and can no longer be pushed back into the abdominal cavity.
This reduces the blood supply to the section of trapped intestine and can
lead to umbilical pain and tissue damage. If the trapped portion of intestine
is completely cut of from the blood supply (strangulated hernia), tissue
death (gangrene) may occur. Infection may spread throughout the
abdominal cavity, causing a life-threatening situation.

Adults with umbilical hernia are somewhat more likely to experience

incarceration or obstruction of the intestines. Emergency surgery is typically
required to treat these complications.

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Umbilical hernia
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3. In-Depth
4. Multimedia
5. Resources
6. News From Mayo Clinic

1. Definition
2. Symptoms
3. Causes
4. Risk factors
5. Complications
6. Preparing for your appointment
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Preparing for your appointment

By Mayo Clinic Staf

If you or your child has signs or symptoms common to an umbilical hernia,

make an appointment with your family doctor or your child's pediatrician.

Here's some information to help you prepare for your appointment and what
to expect from your doctor.

What you can do

List any signs or symptoms you or your child has had, and for
how long.

Bring in a photo of the hernia if signs of the problem aren't always

evident.
 Write down key medical information, including any other health
problems and the names of any medications you or your child are
taking.

Write down questions you want to be sure to ask your doctor.

Questions to ask your doctor
If any additional questions occur to you during your visit, don't hesitate to
ask.

Is the swelling near my or my child's bellybutton an umbilical hernia?

How large is the defect?

Are any diagnostic tests needed?

What treatment approach do you recommend, if any?

Is surgery an option in this case?

Might surgery become an option if the hernia doesn't get better?

How often should I or my child be seen for follow-up exams?

Is there any risk of complications from this hernia?

What emergency signs and symptoms should I watch for at home?

How soon do you expect signs and symptoms to improve?

Do you recommend any activity restrictions?

Should a specialist be consulted?

What to expect from your doctor
Your doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions, such as:

What signs and symptoms have you noticed?

 When did you first notice these signs and symptoms?

Have these signs and symptoms gotten worse over time?

Are you or your baby in pain?

Have you or your baby vomited?

If you are the one afected, do your hobbies or your work involve
heavy lifting or straining, or have you recently gained a significant
amount of weight?

Have you or your child recently been treated for any other medical
conditions?

Do you or your child have a chronic cough?