There are many babies who, after the umbilical cord fall, already dry, have a navel hernia, also known as umbilical hernia. It is a bit cumbersome to see and it is even more palpable, because it is a soft lump that can be touched and that by doing so fluctuates and can even be pressed inward, as if it were a push button (I don't know if I understand myself) .
The fact is that the word hernia sounds a bit bad and that seeing the baby with the lump creates concern in the parents. That is why today we will explain what happens when the baby has a belly button hernia.
What is umbilical hernia really
The first thing is to explain what it is. The umbilical cord of the fetus joins the maternal placenta. That cord passes through the abdominal muscles and sometimes that area through which it passes does not close completely, allowing part of the internal abdominal layers or even part of the organs to slip out.
It is relatively frequent, since it is estimated that it happens to about 20% of newborns, and is not related to any disease. The size is variable and some are barely visible, since they measure a centimeter in diameter, while the most "scandalous" can reach more than five centimeters.
Many babies are barely noticed, especially if they are lying down, however, when they increase the pressure in the abdominal area, when crying, sitting or making an effort, the protusion occurs and the hernia becomes visible.
Which is the treatment?
A umbilical hernia is not something serious and although in some babies it looks spectacular, because of the size, nothing special needs to be done because it does not cause pain to the baby and because in most babies it is almost always solved before two years. The abdominal muscle closes and the lump stops.
In case a hernia does not resolve on its own, it operates. This is usually done three or four years ago, or earlier if the hernia is very large.
Is there any danger?
If the hernia is large and the intestine goes outside, there is a risk of strangulation of the intestine, and this requires rapid intervention. Is very rare and the symptoms are quite clear: irritability, severe abdominal pain, the hernia swells, becomes hard, sensitive and changes color.
What if I put a chickpea?
There are those who, in their intention to solve the hernia, put the baby a chickpea with a plaster, or the plaster without a chickpea, or a button, or whatever they have told him that is going very well for that. But nevertheless they are ineffective methods, since neither that, nor putting a girdle on the baby, makes the hernia disappear and, in any case, it can even bother you and cause you discomfort from both hitting and taking off daily. So the use of these methods is not recommended.
