Every fifth baby is diagnosed with an umbilical hernia. He cried, screamed, the midwife pulled the umbilical cord badly, or is it a genetic predisposition - which of the following is a myth and which is true? Frightened parents are frightened by the word “hernia” itself, and the possible painful sensations of the baby, and the likelihood of an operation.
Umbilical hernia in infants - what is it
An umbilical hernia is a noticeable bulging of the abdominal wall in the area of the navel. The bulge becomes apparent when the baby screams and may disappear during sleep. When pressed, the hernia easily falls back into the abdominal cavity. It can remain stable, grow in size, or disappear over time.
Umbilical hernia in infants, according to statistics, occurs in 20% of babies. It is usually determined by a surgeon or pediatrician. Most often, the diagnosis of "umbilical hernia" is given to children who were born earlier than the due date, and children with a female gender.
The umbilical hernia does not cause pain. The main danger of this defect is infringement. But this condition, fortunately, is very rare in infants. In most cases, the umbilical hernia resolves on its own.
Where does the umbilical hernia come from?
There are a number of reasons due to which the occurrence of an umbilical hernia is possible:
- heredity;
- prematurity;
- the child is sick with rickets;
- the baby suffers from neurology or allergies;
- a newborn is prone to constipation, gas formation.
Prolonged crying and crying, as a result of which the hernia may increase, are only a consequence, but not the cause of the occurrence. The true cause of the appearance of an umbilical hernia in infants is an anatomical predisposition. An improperly cut or bandaged umbilical cord by a midwife is also a myth that has nothing to do with the causes of a hernia.
Is it worth and how to treat an umbilical hernia?
Surgical intervention in the treatment of an umbilical hernia is a rather rare occurrence; it is postponed until the baby is 6 years old. At the age of 3-4 years, the operation is advisable only if the hernia has reached a large size. The operation is done in order to suture the defect in the umbilical ring. The scar left after the operation is practically invisible. Hernias in adults are fraught with infringement and relapse. Women are at high risk for an enlarged umbilical hernia during pregnancy and after childbirth. Therefore, throughout the civilized world, umbilical hernias are treated even in childhood, preferably preschool age.
In most cases, the hernia heals on its own. The recommendations given by the doctor boil down to putting the baby on the tummy more often, to do massage and gymnastics for the newborn. Swimming helps to strengthen the abdominal muscles and promote a speedy recovery. Special plasters and bandages are also used.
Compliance with the diet, the implementation of simple procedures and doctor's instructions will save the newborn from an umbilical hernia.
