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An umbilical hernia during pregnancy is a common condition that can affect you. As the uterus expands, the bulge becomes more noticeable, as it puts extra pressure on the abdominal wall. It may not be that serious in the initial stages, but it is advisable to monitor the condition. If the condition becomes serious, make sure to connect with healthcare experts as soon as possible.
If you have an umbilical hernia, you will have to get the condition treated as soon as possible. Both adults and children are likely to suffer from umbilical hernia. While for infants and young children, the condition should likely be treated by the age of 4 or 5, for adults, the condition is likely to worsen for younger people between the ages of 1-2 years. It is advisable to consult the doctor immediately. In such worsened cases, you must reach out to a healthcare professional for emergency care.
Women are more prone to umbilical hernia than men. It is advisable that, as an adult, you should get the condition treated as soon as possible to prevent further symptoms.
Umbilical Hernia: An Overview
If you have an umbilical hernia, you might feel or see a bulge near your belly button, sometimes it's visible, other times you can only feel it. Fat or fluid forms a small sac upon combining with the small intestine.This sac will either create weakness around the abdominal wall muscle or an opening, which eventually leads to discomfort. An umbilical hernia is not that serious and can be easily and appropriately treated after diagnosis by a healthcare professional.
However, some kids may be able to recover from umbilical hernia by the time they reach 1-2 years of age. Nonetheless, if it exists beyond that and causes discomfort, surgery around the age of 3-4 years would be recommended by the healthcare professional to treat the condition.
Anatomy and Physiology of the Umbilical Region Changes During Pregnancy
The increased oestrogen and progesterone levels bring a significant hormonal shift during pregnancy. The oestrogen will stimulate uterine growth, whereas progesterone will soften the ligaments and joints. This leads to laxity while also weakening the abdominal muscles. As the foetus grows, the uterus will expand, leading to the ascending abdominal cavity, which in turn will displace the abdominal contents. It will put pressure on the abdominal wall, especially across the umbilicus region.Hormonal changes and uterine expansion will put extra pressure on the abdominal wall. This pressure eventually weakens the abdominal wall, which makes it more prone to bulging or herniation. The increased pressure and weakened abdominal wall will eventually cause an umbilical hernia when the intestine protrudes through the umbilical ring.
Symptoms of Umbilical Hernia
Umbilical hernia symptoms are often the same for adults and children. One of the most common signs of an umbilical hernia is a bulge on or near the belly button that is visible. This bulge is soft. While some people will always have this bulge visible, others may not; it will only be visible when pressure is applied to the abdomen.Umbilical hernia bulges are usually painless for kids. However, adults are likely to face discomfort, pain and even pressure. If you have the following symptoms of an umbilical hernia, you will have to rush out for emergency care:
- Severe pain
- Inability to push the bulge back
- Red, darkened, firm and purple bulge
- A stinging pain around the abdomen
- Nausea and vomiting
The main symptom for adults suffering from umbilical hernia is the appearance of a bulge or swelling near the navel. Kids, however, may show some different signs when suffering from an umbilical hernia. This can be an indication of a serious condition if the following symptoms appear:
- The baby is in extreme pain
- The baby is constantly vomiting
- The bulge near the navel area is discoloured, swollen or even tender
Pregnancy-Related Symptoms
Some of the common symptoms of umbilical hernia during pregnancy are as follows:- Extra discomfort during late pregnancy
- During the later stages of pregnancy, the umbilical hernia becomes more visible
- Bulging during postpartum or recovery
Causes of Umbilical Hernia
The causes of umbilical hernia are different for adults and children.In Children
After birth, the umbilical ring around the abdominal wall will close. It will completely close by the age of 5 in kids. However, during this time, the hernia will form in the kids through the opening.
In Adults
Pregnancy-related Causes
- Significant weight gain during pregnancy
- Multiple pregnancies
- Abdominal muscle separation
- Labour pain or pushing during childbirth
- Uterine growth and foetal development
Complications of Umbilical Hernia
Children rarely face any complications due to umbilical hernia. If the umbilical cord becomes incarcerated, it will cause complications in children and adults.If the intestines are pushed back against the abdominal walls, they do not get enough blood supply. This leads to severe pain and even kills the tissue. If the tissue is killed, it causes infection and sometimes even proves to be fatal.
Abdominal hernias that have strangulated the intestine need immediate care and emergency surgery. If you feel like your intestine is strangulated due to an umbilical hernia, you must see your healthcare professional immediately. If the umbilical hernia is not treated at the right time, it can eventually lead to herniated tissue becoming trapped during birth. Moreover, there will be excessive blood loss, which poses the risk of strangulation.
Risk Factors for Umbilical Hernia
The risk factors which you must keep an eye on if you feel you can have an umbilical hernia are as follows:- Infants born preterm are at a higher risk of suffering from umbilical hernia.
- If you are obese (usually with an unhealthy BMI), you are likely to develop an umbilical hernia.
- You may be at risk of an umbilical hernia if you have a cough for an extended period and apply pressure on the abdominal walls.
- You are at a higher risk of umbilical hernia if you are pregnant. Moreover, multiple pregnancies can pose a higher risk.
Treatment for Umbilical Hernia
While the general timeline is 5 years, for infants, the umbilical hernia itself will go away within two years. Therefore, the treatment may not always be required. Surgery may be recommended for kids if they have hernias larger than 2 cm by the age of 2 years. Adults, on the other hand, will have to undergo surgery in case they have a symptomatic hernia, where the symptoms are only worsening.However, the healthcare professional is likely to recommend surgery in cases:
- Hernia is painful and causes discomfort
- The intestine is in the hernial sac, preventing intestinal movement
- Skin discolouration around the hernia
- The size of the hernia is over 1.5 cm
Treatment options for Umbilical Hernia
Sometimes, the hernia ruptures on its own, which is when you need emergency surgery. Here are some treatment options for Umbilical Hernia:Open Umbilical Hernia Repair
Robotic Hernia Repair
Robotic Hernia Repair is a great option for larger hernias as it offers faster pain reduction and functional recovery. Moreover, it also allows you to go back to working faster. However, it is advisable to only go to experts to get this done.
Mesh and Umbilical Hernia Repair
Treatment for Umbilical Hernia During Pregnancy
In the initial stages of pregnancy, it is advisable to monitor your condition and how serious your condition is. You will need to detect the umbilical hernia symptoms as soon as possible. It is advisable to purchase abdominal binders or support belts. Depending on the severity of the condition, different types of surgery can be conducted.If the symptoms aren’t severe, it is advisable to undergo postpartum recovery options. However, if the symptoms are serious, as a pregnant woman, you will have to undergo immediate/emergency surgery. After the operation, you will also undergo postoperative care, wherein you can opt for physical therapy if required.
Preparing for Surgery
If your symptoms continue to worsen or do not respond to other treatments, your doctor may recommend surgery as the next step. Your healthcare professional will help you prepare for the surgery. Below are a few things you must take care of for umbilical hernia surgery.Before Surgery
During Surgery
Recovering from Surgery
The surgical tape placed to cover the incision will eventually fall off. However, if it doesn't, you must make a follow-up appointment with your healthcare expert to remove it.
Usually, it is advisable to go for mesh repair. This treatment method plays an important role in preventing recurrence in adults. Furthermore, it also helps with faster treatment and ensures that you can go back to your regular life of working and exercising like before.
Surgical risks
- Headache
- Fever
- Recurrence of hernia
- Surgical site infected
- Numbness of the legs
- Nausea
Long-term Outlook for Umbilical Hernia
In the case of kids, umbilical hernia gets resolved on its own by the age of 3 or 4. However, if you think that the condition hasn't improved in your child, you will have to consult a professional paediatrician. It is advisable to seek emergency care if the bulge becomes swollen or discoloured. On the other hand, if you have an umbilical hernia bulge, you should also consult a healthcare professional as soon as possible.Umbilical hernia surgery is simple, and you should be able to return home the same day. However, you should not choose any heavy physical activity for the coming weeks. You should begin your physical activities only three weeks after you have completely healed or the bulge has reduced.
An umbilical hernia isn't a life-threatening condition, but it is extremely uncomfortable. You must visit a healthcare professional as soon as the symptoms worsen. If you are not getting the treatment at the right time, it can be fatal. In an emergency, undergoing surgery is advisable only under the supervision of a healthcare professional.
FAQs on Umbilical Hernia: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments
- When does a person need umbilical hernia surgery
Sometimes, the umbilical hernia will heal on its own. However, you may have to undergo surgery if the condition exists beyond the age of 5 and causes severe pain. Furthermore, you will also need surgery if it leads to strangulated intestines or the bulge is larger than 1.5 cm. - How can an umbilical hernia be treated?
Usually, an umbilical hernia in kids goes on its own. However, surgery may be required if the bulge is over 1.5 cm and creates intestinal complications. Surgery may also be needed due to skin discolouration. Surgery will push back the protruding tissue, and then the abdominal wall is closed using stitches or mesh.
