Ambulance 912HAP 9252
Back to all symptoms and conditions
General health information

Umbilical hernia in children

An umbilical hernia is a soft lump caused by the opening around the belly button not yet closing after birth. In children, it is usually painless and harmless, and often closes on its own.

In this article
Choose which sections to read

An umbilical hernia is a soft lump caused by the opening around the belly button not yet closing after birth. In children, it is usually painless and harmless, and often closes on its own.

  • A soft, round swelling in or near the belly button.
  • The swelling gets bigger with crying, coughing, laughing or straining.
  • Let your child play and move normally as long as this does not hurt.
  • Check occasionally that the lump stays soft and becomes smaller again at rest.
  • Make an appointment if you are unsure whether the lump is an umbilical hernia.
  • For urgent GP care outside office hours, call HAP 9252. Call Ambulance 912 only for an immediate threat to life.

Your response

Two anonymous questions

Did you find what you were looking for?

Do you now have a clearer idea of your next step?

Share article

Email

Do you need a healthcare provider after reading?

Search by type of care, organisation, name or district.

Further reading

Browse A–Z
R
Red patch on the white of the eye from a broken blood vesselA clearly defined red patch on the white of the eye is often a subconjunctival haemorrhage. It is usually painless, does not affect vision and clears up on its own. Pain, sensitivity to light, reduced vision, injury or bleeding elsewhere are not typical of a harmless patch.
H
HiccupsHiccups are usually a harmless reflex caused by sudden contractions of the diaphragm and often stop on their own. A short bout after eating quickly, fizzy drinks or laughter is usually not dangerous. Hiccups lasting more than 48 hours, returning often or occurring with neurological, chest or abdominal symptoms do need assessment.
A
AppendicitisAppendicitis is inflammation of the appendix that needs urgent care. Pain often starts around the belly button and moves to the lower right side. Symptoms may worsen quickly and hospital treatment is usually needed.