A "big navel" that appears as a bump and gets larger when a baby cries or strains, and smaller when the baby is relaxed or lying on their back, is often an umbilical hernia. Umbilical hernias are quite common in babies and usually close on their own without treatment by the time a child is a few years old.
While most umbilical hernias resolve naturally, the reference provided describes one way a doctor might address a specific type of umbilical hernia:
Understanding the "Big Navel" Bump
- This bump at the navel area is typically an umbilical hernia.
- It's caused by a small opening in the abdominal muscles around the belly button that didn't close completely after birth.
- Part of the intestine or fatty tissue bulges through this opening, especially when pressure increases inside the abdomen (like when crying).
Reducing the Hernia (When Applicable)
According to the reference, in some cases, a doctor may attempt to manually push the protruding tissue back into the abdomen. This is known as a reduction.
- Manual Reduction: A doctor may gently massage the hernia back into its proper place.
- "Reducible" Hernia: A hernia that can be massaged back into place in this manner is specifically called a "reducible" hernia.
Important Note: This manual reduction should only be attempted by a trained medical professional, such as a doctor. Parents should not try to push the hernia back themselves.
What Parents Should Know
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Self-Resolution | Most umbilical hernias in babies close on their own by age 1 or 2. |
| When to See a Doctor | Always consult a doctor to confirm the diagnosis and discuss management. See a doctor immediately if the bump: |
| - Becomes hard or firm | |
| - Looks discolored (red, purple, or dark) | |
| - Appears painful to the baby | |
| - Cannot be gently pushed back by a doctor | |
| Treatment | Surgery is typically only considered if the hernia is very large, doesn't close by age 4 or 5, or if it becomes incarcerated (trapped). |
| Home Remedies | Taping coins or other objects over the hernia is not recommended and can be harmful or cause skin irritation. |
In summary, while a doctor might perform a gentle manual reduction on a reducible hernia as described in the reference, the primary way a "big navel" caused by an umbilical hernia is reduced in babies is typically through natural closure over time. Medical intervention, including manual reduction by a doctor or eventual surgery, is considered based on the specific characteristics of the hernia and the baby's age.
