Umbilical hernia

An umbilical hernia is a bulge in the abdominal wall near the navel (umbilicus) that sometimes contains abdominal tissue, a loop of intestine, fat, or fluid. An umbilical hernia may be present at birth or develop shortly thereafter, but it is usually not noticeable until the umbilical cord stump falls off, a few days to a couple of weeks after birth.

Umbilical hernias are also common in adults. They are more common in women and people who are obese. Umbilical hernias do not get better on their own, but they may be surgically repaired.

An umbilical hernia usually is not painful or dangerous.

Hernias can vary in size from less than 0.4 in (1 cm) to more than 1.6 in (4 cm) across but are rarely more than 0.8 in (2 cm) across.