Umbilical Hernia Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
Your comprehensive guide to understanding umbilical hernia in children and adults: why it happens, how to recognise its symptoms, and when surgical treatment is necessary.
In this article
Umbilical hernia is one of the most common types of hernia, appearing around the navel area in infants as well as adults. While it may seem simple in many cases, understanding its causes, symptoms, and when it requires medical intervention is highly important for both parents and adult patients alike.
To understand umbilical hernia within the broader context of different hernia types, you can first review our comprehensive guide on hernia types, then return to learn the details specific to this particular type.
What Is an Umbilical Hernia?
An umbilical hernia is the protrusion of part of the intestine or fatty tissue through an opening or weak point in the abdominal wall at the navel area. This opening naturally forms before birth to allow the umbilical cord to pass through, and usually closes on its own after birth. When this opening doesn't fully close, or when the surrounding tissue weakens later in life, an umbilical hernia occurs.
Umbilical Hernia in Children vs Adults: A Key Difference
Despite the similar name and appearance, umbilical hernia in children differs fundamentally from that in adults in terms of cause and developmental course:
In Infants
Very common, attributed to incomplete closure of the umbilical cord opening after birth. Many cases close spontaneously within the first few years.
During & After Pregnancy
Stretching of the abdominal wall during pregnancy weakens the navel area, making women more prone to umbilical hernia after delivery.
In Adults Generally
Usually arises due to obesity, muscle weakness, or repeated strain, and does not close spontaneously — it requires direct medical evaluation.
With Repeated Pregnancies
Each additional pregnancy increases pressure on the navel area, raising incidence rates among women who have had multiple pregnancies.
What Causes an Umbilical Hernia?
Aside from the congenital cause in infants, umbilical hernia in adults is linked to a set of overlapping risk factors. Repeated or chronic pressure on the abdominal wall at the navel area is the common thread among them all, whether this pressure comes from obesity, pregnancy, chronic constipation, persistent cough, or improper heavy lifting.
Fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity due to chronic liver disease can also contribute to its occurrence, as can any previous abdominal surgery that may weaken the tissue surrounding the navel.
Symptoms of Umbilical Hernia
Symptom severity varies by hernia size and patient age, but the core sign is the same in all cases:
Common Symptoms to Watch For
- A soft bulge or swelling at the navel that protrudes with straining.
- The bulge becoming more prominent when crying, coughing, or lifting weights.
- The bulge receding when lying down or pressed gently.
- A feeling of mild discomfort or heaviness at the navel area.
- Increasing pain with physical activity or repeated strain.
Reassuring Signs in Mild Cases
- The bulge is small and easily returns to place.
- Absence of sharp pain or local warmth.
- No change in skin colour over the hernia area.
- Stable hernia size without noticeable gradual enlargement.
- In infants: no effect on feeding or normal growth.
Does Umbilical Hernia Close on Its Own in Children?
In many cases, yes. The umbilical cord opening in infants often closes on its own between one and four years of age, as the abdominal wall muscles grow and gradually strengthen. Doctors therefore usually recommend observation and regular follow-up without immediate surgical intervention, except in certain cases.
However, if the hernia persists beyond age four or five, was large from the start, or shows concerning signs, surgical intervention becomes an option worth discussing with a paediatrician or paediatric surgeon.
Treating Umbilical Hernia in Adults
Unlike children, umbilical hernia in adults does not close on its own and is not definitively treated with medication or support belts. The only effective treatment is surgical repair, which aims to return the protruding tissue to its normal position and reinforce the opening, often using a surgical mesh to reduce recurrence risk.
Surgery can be performed using either open or laparoscopic technique, depending on hernia size, the patient's health, and the surgeon's assessment. Laparoscopic surgery usually offers faster recovery and smaller scars, an area in which Dr. Mohamed Esmat specialises. Learn about the stages of hernia surgery and recovery in detail.
| Category | Expected Behaviour | General Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Infant under 4 years | Often closes spontaneously | Observation and regular follow-up |
| Child after age 4–5 | Rarely closes on its own | Discuss surgical option with doctor |
| Adult with small asymptomatic hernia | Never closes spontaneously | Medical evaluation to determine surgical timing |
| Adult with painful or enlarging hernia | Risk increases over time | Surgical repair without delay |
If the bulge becomes hard, severely painful, and doesn't reduce when pressed or lying down, especially with nausea or skin colour change, these are signs of a possible strangulated hernia requiring immediate emergency care without delay.
"Umbilical hernia in children usually doesn't warrant worry, and patience with regular follow-up is enough in most cases. In adults, however, the rule is entirely different: the hernia does not heal on its own, and delaying treatment can turn a simple case into a more complicated one."
Dr. Mohamed EsmatFrequently Asked Questions
Is umbilical hernia dangerous?
In most cases it doesn't pose an immediate danger, but it can develop complications if left untreated in adults, or if not regularly monitored in children. Any sudden change in symptoms warrants a doctor's visit.
Can umbilical hernia be treated without surgery?
In infants, yes, often through observation alone without intervention. In adults, there is no definitive treatment other than surgery; support belts may temporarily ease discomfort but do not close the opening.
When should I worry about my child's umbilical hernia?
If the hernia persists beyond age four, was very large from birth, or becomes painful, hard, or doesn't reduce, these are signs warranting a visit to a paediatrician or paediatric surgeon.
Can umbilical hernia recur after surgery?
Recurrence rates are low when a surgical mesh is used with proper repair, but rise with obesity, returning too early to strenuous activity, or not following post-surgery instructions.
Have You Noticed a Bulge at the Navel?
Book your consultation with Dr. Mohamed Esmat for an accurate assessment of your case or your child's case and a suitable treatment plan.
Dr. Mohamed Esmat
Consultant hernia and abdominal wall surgeon, PhD in General Surgery and founder of Hernia Core — the first Arab clinics dedicated to hernia surgery. 15+ years of experience and over 5,000 successful cases.
This article is for general medical awareness only and does not replace a consultation with a specialist. To assess your case, please book with Dr. Mohamed Esmat. Last reviewed: June 19, 2026.
