Causes

The main cause for the development of an umbilical hernia in babies is weakness in the area of the abdominal wall. These can either occur during the course of embryonic development (i.e. already in the womb) or due to inadequate closure of the abdominal wall after birth. The reason in these cases is ultimately an enlarged umbilical ring through which the abdominal organs can protrude.

Every baby naturally has such an umbilical ring. The umbilical cord responsible for the care of the child in the womb passes through it. After the remains of the umbilical cord have fallen off a few days after delivery, however, this umbilical ring should become considerably smaller.

In the ideal case, the exit of abdominal organs through the umbilical ring is not possible. Only if there is a limited narrowing of the umbilical ring in a baby, an umbilical hernia can occur. In addition, it can be observed that babies who press strongly while crying or defecating more often suffer from umbilical hernia.

The reason for this is the fact that a strong increase in pressure in the abdominal cavity can widen the umbilical ring and thus press abdominal organs through it. Other causes for the development of an umbilical hernia are old operation scars, which are weak points in the abdominal wall due to their structure. In addition, obesity and diseases of the connective tissue are factors that promote the formation of umbilical hernias.

In clinical everyday life it can also be observed that heavy strain on the musculature can lead to the development of weak points in the abdominal wall and thus provoke an umbilical hernia. In addition, babies who are very overweight suffer more often from the formation of an umbilical hernia. However, an umbilical hernia can also occur in children who often have infections of the respiratory tract. The reason for this is the increase in pressure in the abdominal cavity during coughing. Another cause of umbilical hernia in babies is the presence of a chronic constipation (chronic constipation).