What increases my risk for a paraumbilical hernia?

Paraumbilical hernias are the result of a congenital opening that fails to close completely before or after a child's birth. This type of hernia is common in infants but less so in adults. The risk for paraumbilical hernias is higher in black babies, premature babies, and babies with low birth weights. An adult's risk for a paraumbilical hernia increases if there is frequent or intense pressure placed on the abdomen due to obesity, heavy lifting, or an illness that causes chronic coughing, vomiting, or sneezing. Multiple pregnancies can also cause a congenital opening in this part of the abdomen wall to enlarge, resulting in fat or part of the intestine bulging into the skin near the naval.