what is a hernia on a baby

A hernia is when a part of the intestine pushes through a weak spot in the belly muscles, creating a soft lump or bulge under the skin. In children, hernias often happen in two places: the groin area, called an inguinal hernia, and around the belly button, called an umbilical hernia. A baby can develop a hernia in the first few months of life due to a weakness in the belly muscles. Hernias are most common in newborn babies, but they can be found weeks or months after birth. Symptoms of a hernia in a toddler or baby may include a lump or swelling near the groin or belly button, pain or tenderness around the groin or lower belly, unexplained crying or fussiness, and a bulge in the scrotum in baby boys. Hernias can be diagnosed by a physical exam and imaging tests are not usually necessary. Most hernias in kids are either inguinal hernias or umbilical hernias, and each needs different levels of medical care. Surgery is done only if the hernia doesnt go away by the time a child is 4-5 years old or if the hernia becomes incarcerated.