Umbilical Agenesis: Understanding the Absence of a Belly Button

It is possible, but rare, to be born without a belly button. This condition, known as umbilical agenesis, occurs when the umbilical cord fails to develop properly during embryonic development. As a result, the baby is born without an umbilicus, or belly button.

Umbilical agenesis is usually an isolated finding and does not cause any health problems. However, it can be associated with other birth defects, such as omphalocele (a protrusion of the abdominal organs through the navel) or gastroschisis (a defect in the abdominal wall that allows the intestines to protrude).

In most cases, umbilical agenesis does not require treatment. However, if it is associated with other birth defects, surgery may be necessary to correct the problem.