Q: My 9-month-old has a bulge on her belly button. Is this an umbilical hernia, and should I be concerned?

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Question: Hello Doctor, my 9-month-old daughter has what looks like a bulge on her umbilical cord area. I've attached a picture for you to see. Is this an umbilical hernia? She doesn't seem to be in any pain. Do I need to see a doctor? Thank you.

Answer: Hi! Thanks for sharing the picture and your concerns. Based on the image and what you’ve described, it does look like an umbilical hernia, which is fairly common in infants.

What Is an Umbilical Hernia? An umbilical hernia occurs when part of the intestine or fatty tissue pushes through a small opening in the abdominal muscles at the belly button. Here are some key points:

• Common Symptoms: A soft bulge at the belly button, more noticeable when your baby cries, coughs, or strains.

• Pain: Most umbilical hernias are painless, and it’s great that your baby isn’t showing discomfort.

Should You See a Doctor? While most umbilical hernias are harmless and resolve on their own by the time a child is 3–5 years old, you should see a doctor if:

• The hernia becomes painful, red, or swollen.

• The bulge becomes firm and cannot be pushed back in. (This could be an emergency called strangulation.)

• The hernia persists beyond the age of 3–5 years.

What You Can Do Now

• Monitor the Hernia: Keep an eye on the size and appearance. It’s normal for the bulge to come and go, especially when your baby strains or cries.

• Routine Check-Up: At your next pediatric visit, mention the hernia so the doctor can examine it and provide further reassurance or guidance.

Since your baby is 9 months old, this is likely something that will resolve naturally, and there’s no immediate cause for worry if there’s no pain or other concerning symptoms. However, a pediatrician’s evaluation can help confirm this and give you peace of mind.

For extra peace of mind and clear guidance when tracking your child's symptoms, the FeverCoach app is always there to help.

https://fevercoach.us