Definition

By Mayo Clinic Staf

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Umbilical hernia

An umbilical hernia occurs when part of the intestine protrudes through

the umbilical opening in the abdominal muscles. Umbilical hernias are
common and typically harmless. They are most common in infants, but
they can afect adults as well. In an infant, an umbilical hernia may be
especially evident when the infant cries, causing the baby's bellybutton
to protrude. This is a classic sign of an umbilical hernia.

In children, many umbilical hernias close on their own by age 1 or 2,

though some take longer to heal. To prevent complications, umbilical
hernias that don't disappear by age 4 or those that appear during
adulthood may need surgical repair.

Causes
By Mayo Clinic Staf

During pregnancy, the umbilical cord passes through a small opening in the
baby's abdominal muscles. The opening normally closes just after birth. If
the muscles don't join together completely in the midline of the abdomen,
this weakness in the abdominal wall may cause an umbilical hernia at birth
or later in life.
 In adults, too much abdominal pressure can cause an umbilical hernia.
Possible causes in adults include:

Obesity

Multiple pregnancies

Fluid in the abdominal cavity (ascites)

Previous abdominal surgery

Chronic peritoneal dialysis

Symptoms
Risk factors

Risk factors
By Mayo Clinic Staf
Umbilical hernias are most common in infants especially
premature babies and those with low birth weights. Black infants
appear to have a slightly increased risk of umbilical hernias. The
condition afects boys and girls equally.
For adults, being overweight or having multiple pregnancies may
increase the risk of developing an umbilical hernia. This type of
hernia tends to be more common in women.