Hernias are more common in babies than you might think. Umbilical hernias appear as a bulge in the navel, while inguinal hernias are in the groin or scrotum. They might not be noticeable right after birth.
What is a hernia?
An inguinal hernia is when a small canal from the abdomen to the genital area doesn’t close after birth. In boys, this canal allows the testicles to move into the scrotum. If it stays open (especially in premature babies), a loop of intestine can slip through, creating an inguinal hernia. This is more common in boys than girls [1].
An umbilical hernia happens when the intestine pokes through the belly button area. It usually closes after the umbilical cord falls off, but sometimes it doesn’t (about one in five babies). Umbilical hernias are equally common in boys and girls [2].
How to detect a hernia?
Hernias are often invisible when the child is calm and only bulge out when they cry or push. If you notice this, inform your pediatrician.
How urgently do I need to see a doctor?
As soon as you notice a bulge in the groin or navel area, make an appointment with a pediatrician. However, seek emergency care if the protrusion:
does not disappear when the child is relaxed
is painful to the touch
turns red, purple, or pale
is accompanied by vomiting or fever [3].
How are hernias treated?
Inguinal hernias usually worry doctors because they can cause the intestine to get stuck, cutting off blood supply. Surgery is the common treatment and is safer than risking strangulation. One option is laparoscopy, a minimally invasive surgery [4].
Umbilical hernias often close on their own by age two. If not, doctors usually wait until the child is 4-5 years old before considering surgery, as ruptures are rare. If the umbilical ring is still large by then, surgery might be recommended. It's a simple procedure often done in the doctor’s office [2].
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