Herniated Belly Button - can anyone enlighten me?

[Haydies]

Hi Girls,

Just got back from the Drs and DD has a herniated belly button. Apparently it's small and I've been told it's nothing to worry about and should clear up on it's own in 3 - 5 years.

Just wanting a little more info I guess. Has anyone had a child with it? Apparently they're very common? Should I be worried and get a second opinion? Are they nothing to worry about? Etc..

[myson]

Hi Haydies. My nephew had one. it was about the size of a small apricot. It disappeared by 12 months with no treatment.

I think they look a bit worrying but all should be fine. And didnt seem to worry him at all as a bub.

[Emma_31]

Hi Haydies,

DD had one also. And it was really big, it also made sounds when she would strain, like crying or pooping. We were told the same thing, not to worry until she's 3-5. It disappeared on its own at around 4 months of age. Now it looks normal. Hope it helps.

[Haydies]

Thanks for the quick replies girls. DD's is only really small - just the bottom part of her belly button sticks out a bit. looks like her belly button is pouting lol.

[Novella]

Jasmine had quite a large one, but it has almost gone now. Gp said it was fine but I got a second one from a paed who also said it would resolve on its own by 5yo

[Snacks]

Nothing to worry about, aparently. My understanding of it is that it can sometimes become evident later on (as in your DD's case) because her tummy muscles are starting to firm up. The hernia is caused by a little opening in the bit between the rectus abdominus muscles where they join together called the linea alba, which is where the umbilical cord inserted. I believe most of them clear up by age 1, and certainly by school age. If it doesn't go away by school age then it's not likely to, so they may have to perform very minor surgery to stitch the linea alba.
The only concern is that abdominal contents don't come out the hole. That will likely hurt, and the hernia may change colour. This is an emergency and should be corrected straight away because you don't want the hole to cut off the blood supply to that part of the abdominal contents (e.g. a bit of the intestine). As far as I'm aware, this sort of complication is very rare, so don't stress. Just watch it for changes and I'm sure you'll find it disappears over time no worries
HTH.