10 myths about umbilical hernia in babies

Babies' tummies often keep mothers awake at night. When a baby is diagnosed with an umbilical hernia, the whole family jumps in with ideas and advice. Let's debunk the myths about this condition.

A hernia can go unnoticed during the first year of life. Why? Most of the time, the baby is lying down, so gravity pulls the tummy down. When the baby starts to sit and walk, it's time to pay attention.

The aponeurosis is a dense white tendon formed by the muscles of the front abdominal wall. It's a kind of "shield" protecting the internal organs. If this "shield" is congenitally weak, internal organs can protrude beyond the abdominal wall through the umbilical ring, forming a bulge in the umbilical area. Only a doctor can diagnose a hernia.

It is impossible to acquire a hernia by crying or coughing. It is a congenital defect. There are four aggravating conditions that can complicate the situation:

• Chronic constipation in infants (bowel movements should be daily).
• Bloating, gas (strict control of the mother's and baby's diet).
• Chronic lung diseases, whooping cough, bronchitis (prevent exacerbations).
• Neurological crying in infants (consult a neurologist, avoid experimenting with crying).

A child with a good appetite and a rounded tummy should not automatically be considered at risk. The size of the hernia does not depend on the child's build.

This is not true. It is believed that an umbilical hernia can close on its own by the age of 5. This happens with small hernias. Only a surgeon can differentiate between a large and small hernia. In complex cases, children are operated on at 1 year old or slightly older. If the situation is not critical but the hernia is significant, the doctor may advise monitoring by a specialist and performing surgery at 5 years old.

It is impossible to strengthen a baby's abs. Even older children are difficult to engage in regular sports. The most effective way to strengthen the front abdominal wall muscles is swimming.

This lazy option will not work. To achieve results, a bandage must be worn for at least 2–3 years. Special bandages are prescribed by a doctor only in the preoperative or postoperative period. Using a plaster is even worse. "Taping a hernia is a direct road to a dermatologist," says our expert. The baby's delicate skin gets injured and irritated.

Sticking coins, tying beans, and other beloved items are better left in history. These methods are ineffective.

An umbilical hernia is painless and not deadly. If completely ignored, the child will not suffer. However, there are at least two factors that won't make the child happy. First, psycho-emotional trauma in a peer group. Sooner or later, the child will feel "different." Second, the child will grow up faster than we think. Soon, they will choose a physically demanding profession or want to become a parent. They will have problems. Hernia surgery in adulthood is much more complex and risky.