What is an umbilical hernia?

An umbilical hernia occurs at the belly button due to a weakness in the abdominal wall. It can be present at birth or develop during adulthood.

Who is at risk for an umbilical hernia?

Umbilical hernias occur most often in newborns. Twenty percent of babies are born with umbilical hernias. Close to 90% of those hernias will naturally close by the time the child reaches 5 years of age.

In adults, umbilical hernias are acquired, and are more common in women than men.

What causes umbilical hernia?

In Babies

After birth, the umbilical cord is no longer necessary and the opening in the abdominal wall closes as the baby matures. Sometimes, the abdominal muscles do not meet completely, leaving a small hole or gap. A loop of intestine can move in and out of this opening.

In Adults

The most common causes of umbilical hernias in adults are:

• Chronic health conditions that raise abdominal pressure, including:
• Carrying excessive belly fluid (ascites)
• Chronic cough
• Difficulty urinating due to an enlarged prostate
• Prolonged constipation
• Repetitive vomiting

• Obesity
• Straining such as during childbirth or weightlifting 

What are the symptoms of umbilical hernia?

The most common sign in children and adults is a soft bulge or lump at the belly button. The bulge may be always visible, or it may only be seen when there is pressure on the abdominal muscles.

Adults may experience discomfort or pain as a symptom, while children usually will not.

Symptoms in severe cases may also include:

• Steady, sharp or growing pain
• Bulge color changes (red or purple)
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Blood in stools

What are possible complications of an umbilical hernia?

An umbilical hernia can lead to other problems, such as:

• An incarcerated hernia. This is when part of the small intestine gets stuck in the belly button and can't be pushed back into your belly. This requires emergency medical care.
• A strangulated hernia. If the incarcerated hernia is not treated, blood supply to the small intestine is blocked. This is a life-threatening condition. This requires emergency medical care.

How is an umbilical hernia diagnosed?

Hernias are usually diagnosed during a physical examination by a doctor. The doctor will check for a bulge or swelling in the belly button area. For babies, the swelling may be more noticeable when they cry or strain, and may get smaller or go away when they rest on their back.

During the examination, the doctor will determine if the hernia content can be pushed back into the abdominal cavity. This is known as a reducible hernia. If it cannot be pushed back, the hernia might be incarcerated or strangulated.

Additional tests may include:

• Blood work
• Ultrasound
• CT scan
• MRI

How is an umbilical hernia treated?

By age 5, most umbilical hernias will have closed on their own without surgery.

If a child or adult has a reducible hernia, their doctor can push the hernia content back into place in the abdominal cavity.

Surgery for Umbilical Hernia

Most adults with umbilical hernia will need surgery.

Surgery for children with umbilical hernia may be required if the hernia:

• Becomes bigger with age
• Is still present after age 5
• Is incarcerated or strangulated

Surgery for umbilical hernia occurs under general anesthesia. During the procedure:

• A small incision is made along the belly button.
• The loop of intestine is placed back into the abdominal cavity.
• The incision is closed.
• A piece of mesh material may be used to help strengthen the area where the muscles are repaired.

Recovery from Umbilical Hernia Surgery

Patients who have an umbilical hernia surgically repaired may be able to go home the same day they have surgery but will be sore for three or four days after surgery.

Most patients will be given an over-the-counter pain medication.

Patients of all ages should avoid strenuous physical activity for a few weeks after surgery. Consult your doctor for the best recovery plan following surgery.

Medically reviewed by Raquel González, M.D., M.H.C.M., F.A.C.S., F.A.A.P., 10/21/2026