Question
Both parents have an indentation on their navels, but their child’s navel is prominent, especially more noticeable when crying. What could be the reason for a protruding navel in children?
Answer
Based on the description, a protruding navel in a 1-year-old child is more likely to be an umbilical hernia. An umbilical hernia refers to a condition where abdominal tissue protrudes through a weak spot in the abdominal wall at the umbilicus. Since the umbilicus lacks fat tissue, the outermost skin and fascia are directly connected to the peritoneum, making it the weakest part of the entire abdominal wall. Most umbilical hernias heal on their own within one year, but it is advisable to avoid behaviors such as loud crying, constipation, etc., that may increase abdominal pressure.