The term "hernia" originates from the Greek word for "bulge." Umbilical hernias are the second most common type of hernia in adults and account for 6%-14% of all abdominal wall hernias. Umbilical hernias in adults are usually acquired defects; those that occur in children are often related to congenital defects. Umbilical hernias occur through a weakened umbilical fascia and are present 3 cm above or below the umbilicus.

Umbilical hernias are acquired in adulthood with common causes including increased intraabdominal pressure (ie, obesity, ascites, pregnancy, large abdominal masses). Women are more likely than men to develop umbilical hernias.