Question
My newborn has had a hernia belt for one month and four days. The navel area has decreased, but there is still a slight bulge next to the navel. I’m not sure if the intestines have not fully reset yet. Is this serious? What should I do?
Answer
Based on the description, it is more likely a umbilical hernia. An umbilical hernia is an abdominal hernia where abdominal contents protrude from a weak navel area. The navel is located in the middle of the abdominal wall and is the closest part during the embryonic development process. Due to the lack of fat tissue at the navel, the outermost skin and fascia are directly connected to the peritoneum, making this area the weakest part of the entire abdominal wall. Abdominal contents can easily protrude from this location, forming an umbilical hernia. Most umbilical hernias will heal spontaneously within a year as the umbilical cord fascial ring contracts. It should be avoided to have the child cry vigorously, constipation, or other behaviors that increase abdominal pressure. From the current situation, conservative treatment seems to have achieved significant effects.