A hernia is a condition where a part of the intestine or fat pushes through a weak spot in the abdominal wall, causing a bulge or lump under the skin. In babies, hernias often occur in two places: the groin area (inguinal hernia) or around the belly button (umbilical hernia) . Inguinal hernias are more common in boys than in girls, and they occur in about 1% to 5% of infants and children. Umbilical hernias are more common in premature infants and often heal on their own without surgery.

Hernias in babies and children usually develop when openings in the abdominal wall, which are normal in babies, do not close before or right after birth, allowing the intestines or other organs to push through the openings. Hernias might develop soon after birth or years later during childhood. Factors that increase a childs risk of hernia include being born early or premature, having a family history of hernias, and having a condition that increases pressure in the belly, such as cystic fibrosis or constipation.

Symptoms of a hernia in babies and children include a lump or bulge that is larger than before and does not...