Neonatal incarceration typically arises from inguinal hernias. An inguinal hernia occurs when part of the intestine protrudes through a weakness in the abdominal muscles. In neonates, this weakness is often congenital. The risk of incarceration is higher in premature infants due to the underdevelopment of abdominal musculature. Other contributing factors may include abdominal pressure from crying, coughing, or straining during bowel movements.
