What is a common cause of an umbilical hernia in newborns?

The common cause of an umbilical hernia in newborns is the presence of weak abdominal walls. In infants, the abdominal muscles, particularly near the umbilical area, may not be fully developed or may not fuse properly, allowing a portion of the intestine or fatty tissue to protrude through the abdominal wall. This type of hernia can appear as a bulge at the belly button, especially when the baby is crying or straining.

While congenital defects can play a role in hernias, the specific weakness in the abdominal wall is more directly associated with the occurrence of umbilical hernias in newborns, as this weakness is a normal part of many babies' development. Trauma and direct abdominal pressure are less relevant in this context, as umbilical hernias typically arise from developmental issues rather than external forces or impact.