Hernia During Pregnancy
Hernias that Affect Pregnant Women
Pregnancy is a difficult adjustment for all women. Complicated and troublesome the maternal changes pregnancy may bring to women, hernias just further worsen the situation.
Women need information how to handle such situations. This health guideline will give you the information you need during such instances.
Definition of hernia
Hernia is defined as the out pouching of an organ or a part of it against the wall of the cavity that normally holds it causing it to protrude outwardly. It usually is related to weakness of the smooth muscle in that area. This protrusion causes a palpable mass which can obstruct nearby organ structures and cause poor blood flow to that area. Perforation of the tissue can cause internal bleeding. Aside from these complications, this protrusion of tissue outside its normal position can cause extreme discomfort and pain especially to pregnant women.
Here the most common sites of herniation in women during pregnancy:
Femoral hernia
As the term implies, the hernia is located in the femoral area. Usually near the lower inguinal area near the inner thigh. Depending on the size, femoral hernias can make it more difficult for pregnant women to ambulate and can disrupt their other normal activities. It can be caused by excessive weight lifting or pressure exerted on the site causing muscle weakness.
Umbilical hernia
Umbilical hernias are the most common hernias experienced by pregnant women especially towards the third trimester. Growth of the fetus inside the uterus, can cause extra abdominal pressure in the inside of the abdominal wall pushing the umbilical hernia outwards. This protrusion causes the mother to experience discomfort and pain due to the rubbing of smooth muscle. The mass could be tender to touch.
Ventral hernia
Ventral hernias are hernias usually associated protrusions thru a healed scar. If the pregnant mother has experienced caesarian section before, had her gallbladder operation or had appendectomy, the increase size of girth brought buy the growing fetus inside can cause herniation through the healed scars.
Treatment of hernia during pregnancy
The usual treatment for hernias during pregnancy is to prevent the size of hernia from getting worse. This is usually caused by excessive exertion. This forced effort can cause the hernia to protrude even more, making it worse. Because of this, women are discouraged to carry excessive weight bearing and to avoid foods that can cause constipation. They are also advised to use binders to keep the hernia from popping out but it is used as a support and not to push it in. Pushing the hernia in can cause pain and obstruction on the inside. Aside from this, addressing relief from pain is also a health intervention. Drugs are certainly avoided however the use of relaxing techniques, cold compress, and distraction can minimize the pain felt. Surgery intervention is delayed as much as possible until the baby is out.
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COMMENT
Name: toria
this information was very helpful to me.
Name: Nicole
I am having a hard time finding information about painful, groin hernias in pregnancies. I am 23 weeks and nervous about this hernia.
Name: lisa
i had surgery on a hernia right above my navel, and now since i'm about 2 months pregant i can feel the hernia popping back out. what should i do?
Name: Katnetra
I am 25 weeks preg and have a hernia above my navel and it is getting worse by the day. I have just about quit working and not getting better. I got it carrying my second child, I was told by my ob nothing they can do until after delivery
Name: Michelle
Hi all, i was told about month ago i have a hernia also. I am now 37 weeks with second child, so not long but it is killing me. Mine is up high in my abdomin. it right at top of uterus and where my ribs meet in middle. It's causing so much pain on my upper left side right below my rib cage. My whole pregenacy I have had a lot of heartburn and pain in last month. Is anyone feeling it here too?
Name: GayLynn
Yes, I have had the hernia right above my belly button for at least two months and today I am 7 months and noticing it is getting bigger while standing and hurts! This is my third child and I know each pregnancy is different but I too, Michelle am have severe heartburn and I just read that hernia's can result in heartburn... soooo miserable and hoping all I have been told by dr and websites this will not cause any harm to me or my baby>>>?????
Name: nicole
i am 24 weeks and i was wanting to know if you can still have the baby without having a c-section this is my first baby and i don't want to put my baby or myself in harm so if you have hernia do you have to have a c -section
Name: Jessica
I am 21 weeks and at 19 weeks i moved some couches and tv's and porbably shouldn't have. i have a 15 month old daughter and i cant pick her up sometimes, i can't turn certain ways, and when i walk it hurts. think its a hernia? i'm super scared that if it is i can't vaginally deliver my baby.
Name: carmela
Hey, I have a hernia just above my belly button, i had it just before i got pregnant, and i had it all the way through the pregnancy and gave birth vaginally with no probs to the hernia, it is painful and im trying to wait til my daughters is old enough to the point where im not constantly carrying her because i worry if i have the op too soon carryin a heavy toddler will just make it come back! Try not to worry girls, just wanted to reaasure you, you have a normal delivery and pregnancy with a hernia :)
Name: Chelsea
I am 29 weeks i have a hernia on both sides of my groin, i thought i was being a big whiner when i was complaining about the pain all the time, but i see here that others are in pain as well. im glad to hear that i can still have my baby without having a c-section however i was really worried about that.
Name: anita
My daughter is 7 months pregnant. she was just told she had a hernia. it is up high above her belly on the left- below her heart, like Michelle's I think... Being the concerned mom, What did your hernia feel like to other people? When I felt my daughters, it felt like a very squishy water balloon the size of an orange.. I'm thinking about getting her a second oppinion, it's painful for her, makes me sad :( did you guys have ultra sounds or something to confirm?
Name: Yvonne
Wow, makes it easier to know you are not alone in this hernia during pregnancy. I am just wondering if anyone knows anything about a specialized truss for pregnant women for growing hernias. I bought one today that will not work because the belt pushes on the baby belly. 3 months to go and it sure would be great to get a solution. I am ready to get out the duct tape.
Name: stephannie
I am going to have a hernia repaired in 2 months. Mine developed after 2 abdominal surgerys. I havent had any children yet (39yrs old), and am curious whether or not the hernia repair patch can handle the stress of pregnancy. Has any had a baby after a hernisa repair??
Name: Mallore
I'm 6 months pregnant and thought I was overreacting to the amount of pain around my belly button. this is my second child and I didn't remember having problems like this with my first. The doctor told me that its a hernia and my uterus will keep my intestines from popping through it. And she pretty much left it at that, not specifically helpful. What do I do to keep it from getting worse and is there anything at all to do for the pain? I took my son for a walk today and almost ended up in tears because walking hurt so bad? Unfortunately I'm now a single mom with no help at all and getting my toddler out of his crib is starting to become a challenge and I've still got a few months to go.
Name: Christin
I am so frustrated I am 30 weeks and for the last four weeks i was in and out of the hospital almost ever week, they couldnt figure out why i was in so much pain. FINALLY after explaining to them that i looked things up on the internet that my belly button had a huge lump under it they sent me to a surgeon saying it must be a hernia DUH!! Now all they said is oh its not big one and go back to your regular doctor to talk about pain managment, my regular doctor sent me home saying just take tylenol and youll be fine after delivery. I cant walk, never mind lay down, i cant bend, climb stairs, go to the bathroom, sneeze, cough with out crying my eyes out in pain. I have medicaid and there is no other doctors taking medicaid patients......I think this is just not right at all i shouldnt have to be suffering in so much pain. They did not even say bed rest or anything any advice would be great!
Name: madiha
Will hernia in pregnancy harm the foetus?
Name: ASHMITA GHOSH
I am going to have a hernia repaired in 2 months. Mine developed after my first pregnency. I am planning for my second pregnency (31 years), and am curious whether or not the hernia repair patch can handle the stress of pregnancy. Has any had a baby after a hernia repair??
Name: kkemp
I'm 13 weeks pregnant, i live in Australia. this is my third baby. two days ago i was told i have two hernias one above my belly button and one just under my rib cage. I've been told strict flat on my back bed rest for most of the time, and to use a support bandage its a very tight tube top that is fine for the baby. also i've been told they would like to do surgery in apx 3 to 6 weeks time. luckily for me my eldest is thirteen and currently on school holidays so she is helping out. My hernia's are mostly due to the major abdomen surgery i had after my second baby. all i can say guys is try to not stress to much, try to get some extra family support. Mostly just hang in there hey. I dont want the surgery but if it helps then so be it.