The health of a newborn baby is most important for parents. In the first days of life, you need to pay attention to everything that relates to the child. After all, any deviations during the neonatal period make parents worry. Therefore, even insignificant at first glance symptoms should serve as a reason for consultation with a doctor.
Nevertheless, there are conditions that are not dangerous and pass on their own. An example is a convex navel. It occurs in every 4-5 babies. In most cases, this symptom is observed with umbilical hernia. The disease is not dangerous and usually goes away on its own if the correct regimen is followed.
However, you must visit a doctor. In this case, the baby’s health will be monitored to prevent complications. In addition, the doctor will tell you how to quickly get rid of the disturbing symptom.
Why is the navel convex in the baby?
Everyone knows that during the development of the baby in the womb, the umbilical cord is a vital organ. Thanks to it, there is nutrition and the provision of the fetus with oxygen. When the baby is born, the connection between him and matter is broken. A newborn has the ability to breathe and eat on his own. For this reason, the connecting organ loses its meaning.
The umbilical cord is cut off, leaving a small residue - a stump. In order to prevent bleeding and to achieve rapid healing, it is fixed with a special clamp. Normally, the stump dries and disappears on its own within a week. The umbilical ring is retracted inward. But in some cases this does not happen.
In 20-30% of cases, a convex navel is found in a newborn. More often this phenomenon is observed in premature babies. If this symptom is not accompanied by other signs (weeping, suppuration), then it is not considered dangerous to the health of the baby. In most cases, medical and surgical treatment is not required. Despite this, the surgeon needs to show the convex navel. He will tell you what needs to be done so that the body "takes its place."
What causes a convex navel?
Most often, this symptom occurs in newborns and young children. A bulging navel can also be seen in pregnant women. In this case, the bulge occurs due to overstretching of the abdominal muscles. This condition is physiological and passes independently after childbirth. Among the reasons why a convex navel appears in a child, the following factors are distinguished:
- Hernia. It can occur immediately after birth, but more often develops in the first months of life. In rare cases, umbilical hernia is observed in children under 7 years of age. The reason for its appearance is considered to be muscle weakness of the anterior abdominal wall. This is observed with improper care of the baby or is inherited.
- High umbilical cord dressing. In this case, the bulge is considered as a variant of the norm. She does not threaten the health of the baby, however, most parents want to get rid of this symptom.
- Fistula in the umbilical ring. This phenomenon occurs in newborns and is considered an abnormality - underdevelopment of the urinary and yolk ducts (normally they should close at 5 months of pregnancy).
What to do if the navel is convex?
Despite the fact that a convex navel is not dangerous, observation is necessary. It is necessary in order to prevent the development of complications. In most cases, a bulge is a sign of an umbilical hernia. Often with this pathology, special treatment is not required.
In order for the navel to "fall into place" (pulled in), it is necessary to strengthen the abdominal muscles. For this baby, you need to turn it on your stomach as often as possible. In this position, it should be for 15-20 minutes. Also, the mother of the newborn needs to eat properly in order to avoid the appearance of intestinal colic and the accumulation of gases in the child.
In addition, to reposition a hernia, the umbilical ring is folded and sealed with adhesive tape for 10 days. Thanks to these methods, the protrusion should disappear. The same measures can be taken with high bandaging of the umbilical cord. With external and internal fistulas, surgical care is necessary.
What symptoms should alert parents?
As you know, the main reason for protruding the navel is a hernia. In most cases, it is not dangerous. Nevertheless, this disease can lead to complications. A hernia is a hole in the anterior abdominal wall into which internal organs protrude. Most often, the intestines protrude outward. Since it is a hollow organ, the penetration of infection causes an inflammatory process that passes into peritonitis.
Another complication is the infringement of a hernia. As a result, part of the organ undergoes necrosis. Infringement can also lead to intestinal obstruction. All of these complications are considered life threatening, especially at an early age. Therefore, the appearance of symptoms such as redness, the appearance of a wound with serous or purulent contents, and stool and gas retention are the reason for urgent medical attention.
Prevention of a convex navel
To avoid convexity of the navel, the following rules must be observed:
- Turn the baby belly down and lay on a hard surface several times a day.
- Avoid prolonged screaming - reassure the child.
- Try to avoid the accumulation of gases in the intestines.