Can it cause constipation and colic? Does it need surgery?
A hernia of the belly button ( umbilical hernia) occurs at the site of attachment of the umbilical cord to the tummy wall. When the cord falls off, there may be a tiny opening in the tummy wall lining covered by skin where the muscles of the tummy wall have yet not closed. This process of closure continues well after birth for the first few years of life. This tiny opening called the umbilical ring allows the lining of the tummy wall to bulge out along with the intestine every time a child cries or strains. The bulge can sometimes be quite impressive. However despite its appearances, this hernia does not cause pain, colic or constipation and very rarely if ever gets stuck. This hernia does not cause your baby to be sick or posit. Because this opening ( umbilical ring) gets smaller and closes over the period of the first few years, in most instances your specialist will recommend a wait and watch policy reserving surgery till about school going age ( 4-5 years) for cosmetic reasons only
