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Umbilical Hernia
An umbilical hernia is a bulge at or near the belly button, where tissue pushes through a weak spot in the tummy wall. It is common in babies and can also occur in adults.
Causes & risk factors
- A natural weak spot at the navel
- Raised pressure in the tummy — obesity, pregnancy or fluid
- Heavy lifting or straining
- Persistent cough
- Common in newborns as the muscle closes
Common symptoms
- A soft bulge at or near the belly button
- More obvious when coughing, straining or standing
- Discomfort or aching around the navel
- The bulge may disappear when lying down
- Nausea if tissue becomes trapped
Tests & diagnosis
- Clinical examination
- Ultrasound if the diagnosis is unclear
- CT scan in complex adult cases
- Usually no blood tests are needed
Treatment & management
- Most hernias in babies close on their own by school age
- Adult hernias, or those causing symptoms, are repaired surgically
- Mesh or stitch repair depending on size
- Keep to a healthy weight and avoid straining
- Urgent surgery if tissue becomes trapped
When to see a doctor urgently
- A bulge that becomes hard, painful or cannot be pushed back — seek urgent care
- Vomiting or a swollen, tender tummy
- Redness or fever over the hernia
- A hernia in a child that has not closed by age 4-5
Not a diagnosis. MedDroid gives general educational information about umbilical hernia. It cannot examine you, diagnose or prescribe — always confirm with a qualified doctor.
Frequently asked questions
Will my baby’s umbilical hernia need surgery?
Usually not. Most close by themselves by age 4-5. Surgery is considered only if it is large, causes symptoms, or has not closed by then.
Can an umbilical hernia be dangerous in adults?
Rarely tissue can get trapped, cutting off its blood supply, which is an emergency. A hard, painful bulge that will not go back needs urgent care.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.