Inguinal Hernia in Newborns (Groin Hernia)
The short answer
An inguinal hernia appears as a bulge in the groin or scrotum (in boys) that comes and goes, becoming more prominent when the baby cries or strains. Unlike umbilical hernias, inguinal hernias do not resolve on their own and require surgical repair to prevent complications. The surgery is safe and highly successful.
Parents everywhere have the same worry. You are doing the right thing by looking into it.
By Age
What to expect by age
Inguinal hernias occur when a loop of intestine slips through an opening in the abdominal wall into the groin area (or scrotum in boys). They are more common in premature babies and in boys. You may notice a bulge in one or both sides of the groin that appears when your baby cries, strains, or is active, and disappears when calm. Unlike umbilical hernias, inguinal hernias always require surgical repair because of the risk of incarceration (trapped intestine). Surgery is typically scheduled soon after diagnosis.
If an inguinal hernia is diagnosed, surgery is usually performed promptly, especially in young infants where the risk of incarceration is higher. The surgery (herniorrhaphy) is a straightforward outpatient procedure with an excellent success rate. Recovery is typically quick, with most babies returning to normal activities within a few days.
Inguinal hernias can present at any age. If you notice a new bulge in the groin area, contact your pediatrician promptly. After surgical repair, recurrence is uncommon. Your doctor may also check the other side, as bilateral hernias can occur.
Inguinal hernias can still first appear at this age. Any new groin bulge that comes and goes should be evaluated. After surgical repair, follow-up care is minimal and the prognosis is excellent.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- There is no "normal" inguinal hernia. All inguinal hernias in babies need medical evaluation and surgical repair.
- You notice a bulge in the groin area or scrotum that comes and goes
- One side of the groin or scrotum appears larger than the other
- A groin bulge appears during crying or straining and goes away at rest
- A groin hernia becomes hard, swollen, red, or tender and cannot be gently pushed back in, which could indicate incarcerated hernia requiring emergency surgery
- Your baby is vomiting, extremely irritable, or refusing to eat along with a firm groin bulge
Sources
Related Resources
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician.
Worrying about your baby means you care. That is a good thing.
Related Medical Concerns
Umbilical Hernia (Belly Button Sticking Out)
An umbilical hernia is a soft bulge near the belly button caused by a small gap in the abdominal muscles where the umbilical cord was attached. They are very common, occurring in about 20% of babies, and the vast majority close on their own by age 4-5 without any treatment. They are almost never dangerous in children.
My Baby's Belly Button Bulges When Crying
This is almost always an umbilical hernia, which is very common (occurring in about 1 in 5 babies) and usually harmless. It happens when a small opening in the abdominal muscles near the belly button doesn't close completely after birth. The bulge you see is intestine pushing through when baby cries, strains, or coughs. Most umbilical hernias close on their own by age 2-5 without any treatment.
My Baby Has a Swollen Scrotum
A hydrocele is a collection of fluid around the testicle that causes the scrotum to swell. It's common in newborn boys and usually harmless. Most hydroceles disappear on their own by age 1. Your pediatrician will examine your baby to distinguish it from an inguinal hernia, which requires surgery. If the hydrocele persists or is very large, surgery may be recommended.
My Baby's Head Shape Looks Abnormal
Many babies develop temporary head shape irregularities that are completely normal. A cone-shaped head from vaginal delivery reshapes within days. Mild positional flattening (plagiocephaly) from sleeping on the back is very common and usually improves with repositioning and tummy time. However, head shape changes involving ridges, a persistently bulging fontanelle, or rapid head growth changes should be evaluated to rule out craniosynostosis.
Achondroplasia (Dwarfism) in Babies
Achondroplasia is the most common form of short-limbed dwarfism, affecting about 1 in 15,000 to 40,000 births. It is caused by a mutation in the FGFR3 gene and is usually apparent at birth with characteristic features including short limbs, a larger head, and a prominent forehead. Intelligence is normal. With monitoring for specific complications and supportive care, children with achondroplasia lead full, active, and independent lives.
Adenoid Hypertrophy and Breathing
Adenoids are lymphoid tissue located behind the nose that help fight infection in young children. When adenoids become enlarged (adenoid hypertrophy), they can block the nasal airway, causing chronic mouth breathing, snoring, nasal speech, and sleep-disordered breathing. Enlarged adenoids are most common between ages 2-7 and are a leading cause of obstructive sleep apnea in young children. Treatment ranges from watchful waiting and nasal steroids to surgical removal (adenoidectomy) if breathing or sleep is significantly affected.