Does my baby have an umbilical hernia?

Postnatal, Your questions

My name is Manon, and my baby Jeremy is 6 weeks old, and he has a bump in his belly button. I figure he has an umbilical hernia, but what should I do? Thanks for all your help, Manon


Manon, based on what you told me, it seems to be an umbilical hernia. A hernia can appear several days or weeks after childbirth. It often occurs in premature babies as the hernia is directly associated with the fact that the abdominal muscles have not completely closed, like abdominal diastasis in pregnant women. It allows the intestine to pop out like that.

A hernia is soft on touch. Often you can note spectacular gas or bloating when the baby makes an effort with their abdominals, such as bending over.

However, your baby won’t feel pain, so don’t worry about that unless it becomes twisted.

The hernia can measure between 1-5cm, and 85-90% of umbilical hernias will disappear on their own during a baby’s first year. Surgery is rarely required except in specific cases. When monitoring the baby, the doctor will check the hernia to make sure that it is progressing normally.

I hope this helps!

Talk soon,

Marie

The Baby Expert

Discover our videos

Subscribe to a monthly or quarterly package now to access full videos.

Prematurity

Prematurity

In this video, I am accompanied by Dr. Véronique G. Dorval, a neonatologist and director of the Neonatal Clinic at
The Calming Dance

The Calming Dance

Your baby is inconsolable, and you’ve tried everything. Have you tried the calming dance? With simple movements, this dance can
Natural Childbirth in a Hospital

Natural Childbirth in a Hospital

Come will Marie and see the birth of Chantal and Joel’s second child, Léa. The couple chose to give birth
Dad and Pregnancy

Dad and Pregnancy

Dad’s place during pregnancy and childbirth is important. Each father experiences the adventure differently. Marie meets Laurent, who talks about