What is a Belly Button Hernia?
A belly button hernia, more properly known as an umbilical hernia, is a type of abdominal hernia which occurs in the region of the navel. When this type of hernia develops, the intestines push through the abdominal wall behind the belly button, causing a characteristic bulge to appear. Many belly button hernias are congenital in nature, and they are especially common in boys of African descent. This type of hernia can also be acquired by adults.
A belly button hernia, more properly known as an umbilical hernia, is a type of abdominal hernia which occurs in the region of the navel. When this type of hernia develops, the intestines push through the abdominal wall behind the belly button, causing a characteristic bulge to appear. Many belly button hernias are congenital in nature, and they are especially common in boys of African descent. This type of hernia can also be acquired by adults. The navel region is vulnerable to herniation in infants because of the way in which the body develops, and because of the nature of the umbilicus. In some cases, the abdominal wall behind the navel fails to close completely during fetal development, allowing intestines to push through and create a hernia. The belly button hernia may only be visible when an infant cries or strains, subsiding back into the abdomen when the baby relaxes. It is usually identified shortly after birth, since newborn infants tend to strenuously object to being pushed
