These are usually not painful and might not require treatment in infants, as they often close on their own by age 1–2. However, if the hernia persists beyond this age, becomes larger, causes pain, or becomes incarcerated (trapped and unable to be pushed back in), surgery might be recommended to repair the hernia and prevent complications.

Acquired umbilical hernias develop later in life due to factors that strain the abdominal muscles, such as obesity, multiple pregnancies, fluid in the abdomen (ascites), or excessive strain from heavy lifting or chronic coughing. In adults, the hernia might appear as a soft bulge near the navel.

In adults, surgery is often recommended to repair umbilical hernias, especially if they cause discomfort or have the potential for complications like incarceration or strangulation. Prompt medical attention is essential if an umbilical hernia causes severe pain, nausea, vomiting, or the inability to push the bulge back in.