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By Mayo Clinic staffAn umbilical hernia creates a soft swelling or bulge near the navel (umbilicus). The bulge may range from less than one-half inch to about 2 inches (about 1 to 5 centimeters) in diameter.
If your baby has an umbilical hernia, you may notice the bulge only when he or she cries, coughs or strains. The bulge may disappear when your baby is calm or lies on his or her back.
Umbilical hernias in children are usually painless. Umbilical hernias that appear during adulthood may cause abdominal discomfort.