Symptoms:

A hernia can vary in width from less than 1 centimeter to more than 5 centimeters.

There is a soft swelling over the belly button that often bulges when the baby sits up, cries, or strains. The bulge may be flat when the infant lies on the back and is quiet.

Signs and tests:

The doctor can find the hernia during a physical exam.

Treatment:

Usually, no treatment is needed unless the hernia continues past age 3 or 4. In very rare cases, bowel or other tissue can bulge out and lose its blood supply (become strangulated). This is an emergency needing surgery.

See also:

• A video about preparing your child for hernia surgery
• A video about after your child's umbilical hernia repair

Expectations (prognosis):

Most umbilical hernias get better without treatment by the time the child is 3 - 4 years old. Those that do not close may need surgery. Umbilical hernias are usually painless.

Complications:

Strangulation of bowel tissue is rare but serious, and needs immediate surgery.

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider, or go to the emergency room if the infant is very fussy or seems to have bad abdominal pain, or if the hernia becomes tender, swollen, or discolored.

Prevention:

There is no known way to prevent an umbilical hernia. Taping or "strapping" an umbilical hernia will not make it go away.