Patient's question:
After my baby's umbilical cord fell off, there was a round lump sticking out at the umbilical area. The doctor told me it's a newborn umbilical hernia. Now, I would like to ask what is the cause of a newborn umbilical hernia?Doctor's answer:
The cause of neonatal umbilical hernia is due to a developmental defect in the umbilical area where the umbilical ring does not close, or improper healing of the umbilical cord root tissue to the umbilical ring after the cord falls off. Under conditions of increased intra-abdominal pressure, the omentum or intestines may protrude through the weak area of the umbilical region, forming an umbilical hernia. In fact, children with umbilical hernias usually experience no pain, although some may feel slight discomfort due to local swelling.