If you're one of the many parents who notice a bulge on their baby's tummy, don't blame it on overfeeding just yet. That bulge could very well be an umbilical hernia (don't worry, we'll explain what that is in a bit).
And if you're wondering whether or not they self-heal, let us tell you: there's no easy answer. Sorry to burst your bubble (but really not sorry).
However! Fear not, dear reader. We've compiled everything you need to know about umbilical hernias in this handy-dandy article.
What is an Umbilical Hernia?
Basically, it's when part of the intestine protrudes through the abdominal muscles near the belly button (yeahhh sorry about saying 'intestine' so early). As we all know (or maybe just me), our belly buttons are where our umbilical cords used to be connected before birth; we even still have scars from them!
Sometimes these muscular walls surrounding the belly button aren't totally closed up after birth like they usually should be -- and that allows fatty tissue or intestines to sneak through and sorta stick out until things get patched up properly again by your body's natural healing processes.
Umbilical hernias sound super scary at first but FORTUNATELY, most babies with them won't experience any pain --- though parents may understandably feel worried looking at something out-of-place growing from their baby š ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Just remember possible discomfort symptoms can happen later on.
Who Gets Them?
Hereās some good news:umbilical hernias are crazily common. Even better ā they usually occur in infants (hence why mere parentals tend to discover this type of hernia easily). Boom ā you feel more normal already, don't ya?
Another risk group for umbilical hernias are pregnant women - cute lil baby bumps can put lots of pressure on your uterus which in turn messes around with the muscles and structure of this area. Keyword here: pressure. Resist the urge to rain down harm upon anyone who doesn't understand why you deserve that second slice a cake.
Umbilical hernias become less common once babies magically just grow up. The reason for this is that as children age, the hole in their stomach heals without surgical intervention (the body at work! Woo-hoo!) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- But some adults still get them -- so be prepared.
Symptoms
As mentioned earlier, most kids with umbilical hernias do not experience any pain or discomfort (HOWEVER). In fact, they'll usually close up by themselves within one year, during which thereās no need for fixing from outside force (Whoop-whoop!) Simply leave it aloneā¦ But if parents notice:
- Swelling or bulges near baby's belly button while he's crying/getting changed/strained
- Vomiting
It could mean something has gone wrong if occurring later after self-patching timeframe. Consult with medical professionals y'all!
What You Can Do For An Umbilical Hernia?
A lot of our readers are people pleasers looking at options to help cope/manage situations whether good/bad/neutralā¦.so hugs all round because it says a lot about ur character š Cordiality aside though ā literally nothing except keeping an eye on it... If you're currently wringing your hands and googling "natural remedies for umbilical hernia",your search will end quickly my friend----------because there is absolutely zero scientific evidence to support such claims.
Hereās what doctors typically recommend instead:
Wait It Out
Most umbilical hernias heal on their own within the first year (remember earlier? It might not be frequent but it happens!) and absolutely nothing needs to be done during that period. Maybe just imagining about parenting in future will help you pass the waiting process without losing your mind.
Surgery
In cases where a baby's umbilical hernia hasn't healed up after they've turned one or if there is discomfort, parents may want to consult with professionals to check if we should intervene surgically using small incisions until closing things upā¦ basically asking for help outside of waiting it out options.
The Long-Term Effects
Basically: none.
And hereās what doctors have to say:
āMost people who had an umbilical hernia repaired as children or adults can enjoy normal activities as early as three months after surgery. Rushing recovery time though might lead them worse off so stick by rules!"
Looking at long-term effects then, having such a bodily state doesnāt put individuals in any danger once taken care of... Just take note that chances are higher for those who experienced this issue when young Can't choose parents ā but hey! At least babies wonāt remember
How To Prevent An Umbilical Hernia
Short answer: nope -- because sometimes umbilical hernias happen naturally due to genetics, certain medicaments or even pregnancies.(Yeah everyone knows "them's just da breaks" hurts more than helpful advice).
Longer answer? There still is no foolproof guaranteed path against forming an umblical hernia; however engaging preventive steps such as dieting healthy along with performing recommended home exercise regimes may make your odds better (Keep on researching how). And donāt forget simply following professional medical recommendations cuz geniuses worked hard sure know best giving useful tips too like..."
Lifting Weights / Heavy Items
As much as some folks believe it helps create strong cores --- lifting heavy objects with poor form can easily trigger developing an umbilical hernia (I'm looking sternly at you office chair potato people). So it's best protecting yourself by asking for assistance if items are too heavy and straight-up avoiding non-recommended weights.
Eat Healthily
A diet rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean meats will help do your body good! Because being healthy overall is always lovely & who doesn't want a happier tummy? š
Another nice antidote? Taking probiotics (hey hey guts!) which might magically replace the need to face surgeries sometimes by washing out all that unhealthy bacteria. It may still involve searching around though ā just remember that gut health keeps lotsa bits & bobs ticking over properly!
When Should You Call A Doctor?
If you notice any abnormalities or strange things surrounding your babyās belly button area such as redness occurrence o issues deciding what to initially prioritize contacting medical professionals ensures safety first:
- Swelling
- Bulges getting larger
- Vomiting / nausea
- Color change or inflammation Ask questions, get answers
Conclusion
Even if they sound remotely scary, umbilical hernias donāt have sinister implications even after surgery; most of 'em actually heal up without intervention from outside sources within baby's initial year of life - yaaayyy!
With these write-ups we hope our dearest readers have learnt more about the subject matter than before reading š
And basically knowledge really is powerā¦ Stay curious always ('Till nexxttt timeeee)