Umbilical hernia in newborns - causes and timely treatment

Umbilical hernia in newborns is a very common problem. According to statistics, it is found in every fifth baby, and a greater percentage of pathology is observed among premature babies . It is important for parents to understand in advance what its symptoms are, in order to recognize the problem in time and start its treatment in time.

Umbilical hernia in children - causes

Before his birth, the baby was in the womb. Here he received all the elements necessary for him through the umbilical cord. However, after the birth of a baby this organ is no longer needed, so it is removed. On the place where the umbilical cord was located, an umbilical ring is formed. Ideally, it should last for the first month of the life of the crumbs. However, if the umbilical ring of the newborn does not close, the intestinal loops and the omentum begin to protrude through it. As a result, pathology is diagnosed by pediatricians.

More often umbilical hernia in newborns occurs for the following reasons:

This pathology is more often diagnosed in boys than in girls. Among parents there is an opinion that the umbilical hernia arises from the fact that the umbilical cord was improperly bandaged in the maternity hospital. However, this is a myth. Bandaging the umbilical cord does not affect the formation of this pathology. Hernia is an anatomical, internal pathology. The umbilical cord is removed and clamped from the outside.

Umbilical hernia - symptoms

To reveal a pathology it is possible already in the first month of a life of a karapuza. Umbilical hernia in children is accompanied by such symptoms:

Even knowing how the umbilical hernia looks and what signs it accompanies, parents should not independently diagnose crumbs, and even more so - to treat the baby. You need to visit a pediatrician as soon as possible and report the problem. The doctor, evaluating the manifested signs of umbilical hernia and her condition, will prescribe an effective treatment. To eliminate the pathology can be used as conservative methods, and surgical intervention.

If you leave the problem on its own and do not seek medical attention, serious complications can arise:

Treatment of umbilical hernia without surgery

The earlier the pathology is revealed, the easier it is to correct the situation. Treatment of umbilical hernia without surgery is carried out in such cases:

Umbilical hernia - recommendations

After examining the baby and identifying the cause that caused the problem, the doctor will draw up a treatment regimen. All manipulations should be carried out under his control.

To the umbilical hernia in the baby does not increase dramatically in size, and the situation does not worsen, the doctor will recommend to parents:

  1. Do not allow a newborn to cry for a long time.
  2. Take care and immediately seek medical help if the baby has frequent constipation or swelling.
  3. If possible, continue breastfeeding.
  4. Perform all prescribed therapeutic procedures (massage, gymnastics, laying crumbs on the tummy and so on).

Bandage with umbilical hernia

It is a wide belt of elastic fabric, having a limiter in the problem area. The bandage has the following advantages:

  1. Can be used if the umbilical hernia in infants of considerable size (up to 5 cm).
  2. Has a long service life.
  3. It is made of hypoallergenic tissue, so when it comes into contact with it on the body of the baby, there is no irritation.
  4. Reduces intra-abdominal pressure.
  5. Warns increase in the size of the protrusion.
  6. Easy to use.

The only contraindication to the use of this remedy is a rash on the baby's body. The best option, according to pediatricians, is a bandage equipped with a velcro closure. It does not slip, so it provides a reliable fixation. To wear such a bandage is 3-4 hours, then a half-hour break is made and the remedy is again put on.

Plaster with umbilical hernia

Before the appointment to use such a tool, the doctor will detail his parents' positive and negative characteristics. If the umbilical hernia without surgery is treated, it can be applied as a special hypoallergenic, and regular adhesive plaster. The medicine has a weighty advantage - it is glued on the entire therapeutic course. The usual adhesive plaster is removed daily before bathing the crumbs. Therapeutic course - 10 days. After examining the newborn, the pediatrician will decide on the expediency of the subsequent use of this remedy.

Massage with umbilical hernia in newborns

Such manipulation helps to strengthen the abdominal muscles and get rid of the problem without surgery. Massage with umbilical hernia in infants should be performed by a specialist. At home, you can perform a warm palm light stroking movements clockwise. In addition, the umbilical hernia in restless newborns is retracted when the crumb is spread on the tummy for several minutes on a hard surface. However, such procedures can not be performed after feeding.

Exercises with umbilical hernia

Very popular and effective classes on the fitness ball. They tone the abdominal muscles and reduce the enlarged umbilical ring in the child. Such exercises are a great pleasure for the youngster. They are light oscillatory movements on the ball. At the same time lay the baby on his tummy, and on the back. The average charge lasts 5-7 minutes. You can spend it twice a day.

Umbilical hernia - operation

In some cases, you can not do without surgical intervention. Removal of the umbilical hernia is performed according to the following indications:

The operation to remove the umbilical hernia is aimed at removing the defect. This method was called "hernioplasty" in medicine. During the procedure, the hernial sac is excised, and the bulging internal organs return to the abdominal cavity. The operation is simple: it takes less than half an hour. Most often the same day the child returns home. The recovery process lasts a couple of weeks. During this period, the baby should be regularly shown to the doctor.