What causes a hernia?

(Femoral & umbilical)

The exact cause of femoral and other hernias are unknown most of the time. You may be born with a weakened area of the femoral canal, or the area may become weak over time.

An umbilical hernia occurs when the opening in the stomach muscle that allows the umbilical cord to pass through fails to close completely. Umbilical hernias are most common in babies, according to the Mayo Clinic, but they can also occur in adults. African-American babies, premature babies, or babies born at a low birth weight are at an even higher risk of developing an umbilical hernia. There is no noted difference in occurrence between boys and girls, according to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Center.