Question
My daughter is now three months old. About a month ago, her navel started to bulge out. When she cries or strains, it protrudes about one centimeter high, and when she is calm, it is about two to three millimeters high. I want to ask if the baby’s bulging navel can be pushed back in by itself.
Answer
Hello! Based on your description, the baby may have an umbilical hernia. Since there is less fat tissue in the navel area, the outer skin and fascia of the abdominal wall are directly connected to the peritoneum, making this area the most vulnerable part of the abdominal wall. Intestinal contents can easily bulge out from here to form an umbilical hernia. Most umbilical hernias will heal spontaneously as the umbilical fascia ring contracts within one year. It is advisable to avoid behaviors that increase abdominal pressure such as crying loudly or constipation, and a hernia belt can be used for conservative treatment.