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Umbilical hernia in 9 Months baby
My sister's baby who is 9 months old suddenly seeing a small umbilical hernia. Baby was having severe constipation before that. Let me know if that will subside with time..
Answers (4)
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Umbilical hernia: Common in infants, especially around 9 months. Usually harmless and painless. Most close on their own by 1–2 years of age. No need for any medicine or bandaging; do not apply coins or tight cloth.
Surgery is only considered if: Hernia persists beyond 2–3 years/It’s very large/Becomes painful or stuck (incarcerated)
Constipation: Hard, infrequent stools or straining while passing stools. Common during weaning and diet transitions.
Next Steps
Offer more water between feeds.
Include high-fiber foods if baby is on solids:Stewed prunes, mashed papaya, pears, or soaked raisins, Moong dal, oats, or ragi porridge
Avoid excess banana, apple, and rice cereal temporarily.
Gently massage the tummy clockwise.
Allow tummy time and leg cycling exercises.
Health Tips
Red flags:
Hernia becomes painful, red, or non-reducible
Baby is vomiting, very irritable, or not passing stools >3–4 days
Blood in stools
If both persist, better get thyroid profile done
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Umbilical hernia is benign and usually resolves by a yr of so.
However constipation has to be treated, dietary changes, increased water intake and limiting the milk intake is important. mostly children of this age gp are on milk predominant diet with very little complementary feed which leads to constipation as milk is not rich in fibre.
Next Steps
You should limit the milk intake and milk based foods
Start complementary feeds like khichdi ( with vegetables properly mashed) , vegetable dalia , whole fruits rather than juices and green vegetables. use chaki ka aata which is coarsely grind and make dough without straining it to increase the fibre content.
If no response after a month of dietary changes then consult for medication.
Health Tips
Don't ignore constipation, child may develop fissures so consult timely
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Dr. Anjali Maini
Pediatrician
33 yrs exp
Gurgaon
A picture would have helped a better advice
Usually a small hernia will heal and regress while the baby starts to sit and walk around because the abdominal muscles become more toned
Next Steps
Constipation should be taken care of, you are right. It will potentiate any hernia. For the age I will advise good hydration, so water is encouraged.
Prune juice and apple juice are good.
Fruits smoothie like papaya, guava, mangoes, watermelon etc great and helpful. Encourage the child to have khitchri mixed with vegetables like pumpkin, carrots, green leafy vegetables to provide good roughage. A vegetable smoothie or soup will act as good.
Milk and milk products are constipating except the brestfeeds. So compensate by fruits and vegetables and good water intake
Health Tips
In case diet alone doesn’t solve the constipation, consult a paediatrician
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Dr. Shebin C E
Pediatrician
10 yrs exp
Kanyakumari
Greetings usually it will settle down on it's down but consult a doctor
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Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.