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A pregnancy hernia is no laughing matter. It can cause special and extremely dangerous complications during the labour process. Usually, hernias are removed after the delivery, but in some cases, you might require immediate treatment. This article will help you understand the causes, types and risks posed by hernias during pregnancy as well as options to safeguard your health as well as that of your unborn child.
What is a Hernia?
A hernia is basically a medical anomaly wherein an internal organ or a part of it begins to push out through a hole or tear in the musculature of the body. It is quite common to expect hernias in the lower torso, abdominal and groin areas of the body. Hernias do not disappear once they are formed, however many hernias don’t need to be fixed if they are not resulting in any problems. Pregnancy involves the growing uterus exerting pressure on the abdominal walls, which can cause hernias.
Does a hernia affect pregnancy? Not really. However, if left untreated for too long, the likelihood of developing dangerous complications increases.
Common Types of Hernia during Pregnancy
Pregnancy hernias are of two main kinds. They include:
1. Umbilical Hernia
Umbilical hernias, also called navel hernias, do not have anything to do with your foetus, the uterus or the amniotic sac. The name comes from the fact that the hernia develops in the region of the navel, which was the location of your own umbilical cord. As this region has a natural opening, the stretching of the uterus can cause it to tear and open further. Umbilical hernias during pregnancy cause tender but a lasting pain in the . This kind is only going to be mildly inconvenient and will not cause excessive discomfort.
2. Inguinal Hernia
Unlike belly button hernias, Inguinal hernias occur when the muscular tissue in your groin area is torn or ripped. They are common during pregnancies as the expanding uterus pushes downwards on the pelvic floor, which further weakens the abdominal walls. This hernia appears as a small bulge or expansion in the groin.
3. Paraumbilical Hernia
These hernias occur around the naval, above or below the location of the umbilical cord. They are usually caused due to weak muscles in the abdomen and are common in obese women. They have a tendency to induce severe ar very large. Surgical intervention is necessary, without which there may be a risk of strangulation.
What Causes Hernia in Pregnant Women?
Hernias can occur in unexpected ways in people of any age. However, they are likelier in people who are born with weak muscles, older people or highly active people. Other conditions are known to worsen muscular weakness, leading to hernias. Here are a few common causes for pregnancy hernias:
- A slow increase in the pressure exerted by the uterus on the abdomen.
- Lifting heavy weights.
- Increase in abdominal fluid.
- Putting on excess weight.
- Exerting too much while urinating or passing stools.
- Continuous sneezing or coughing.
Sign and Symptoms of Hernia
Here are some of the signs of hernia in pregnant women:
- Bulges or protrusions
The most common sign of a pregnancy hernia is a sore bulge or protrusion through the abdominal area which does not resolve by itself. The increase in pregnancy weight adds extra stress on the abdominal wall which is already weak, increasing the size of the tear in the muscle.
- Tenderness
Women who have been under abdominal surgical procedures are especially tender in that region, leading to potential hernias. This hernia is likely in obese pregnant women as well. The cause is due to the scar tissue stretching due to the weight of the pregnancy. These hernias can be painful in the area of the scar even if you cough, lift heavy items or run.
- Difficulty of movement
A hernia in the thigh area, or femoral hernias, can cause a drop in mobility, especially as the pregnancy continues into its later trimesters. You can see it as a small protrusion in the upper thigh area, near the groin. Femoral hernias can seriously impede movement, with discomfort depending on how big it is. It is considered to be the most dangerous hernia when it comes to pregnant women as it can block the femoral artery. This, in turn, can slow down or stop the blood supplied to the intestinal organs, leading to a dangerous bacterial infection called gangrene.
Complications of Hernia
There are several complications associated with hernias. Risks of hernias during pregnancy include:
- Increase in hernia size
Hernias in their initial stages might be hardly noticeable, but they will slowly grow larger as your pregnancy progresses. Any strain in the area can cause its size to increase further.
- Pain or soreness
Pain is a common symptom of hernias, and it is usually constant, but can occasionally occur in phases. Please contact a doctor if the pain becomes unbearable.
- Racing heart
Pregnancy hernias are known to alter the rhythm of the heartbeat, causing racing and palpitations. This is quite dangerous and requires treatment.
- Blood flow reduction
The hernia area will not receive any circulation, causing your skin tone to change and become paler. This is very critical and requires an emergency surgery.
How is Pregnancy Hernia Treated?
Treatment methods include the use of hernia support bands to stop its growth, avoiding lifting heavy weights and taking copious amounts of rest. However, surgery is truly the only effective way to fix a hernia. Generally, surgeries are recommended for at least three months the baby is born, allowing you to recuperate. Surgical procedures to remove hernias include laparoscopy, which involves the creation of small incisions and the introduction of a camera. This avoids the need for an invasive technique. Generally, hernias are fixed using a mesh-like material which is stitched around the area, strengthening the muscles.
Can Hernia Be Prevented?
Hernia prevention is not really easy, as it can occur at any time for a host of reasons. The great thing is the being pregnant does not worsen the hernia itself. Ensuring you are well supported in the hernia region, especially when laughing, coughing or sneezing can reduce any pain or soreness. This can be as simple as supporting your hernia with your hand when performing any of the activities mentioned above.
When Should You Be Concerned?
Hernias are not dangerous during your pregnancy in most cases, but it is important to have them repaired after you give birth, especially if you want to have another baby. Hernia surgery while pregnant is also suggested in rare cases if the pain is too much. However, this procedure is fraught with risks, increasing the likelihood of miscarriages, premature delivery and so on. Your doctor will mostly recommend a second-trimester surgery as the growing baby will make the procedure tricky after this period.
Hernias are common conditions that don’t really have a lasting impact. However, if you develop a hernia during pregnancy, you might experience a few complications such as difficulties with labour. Please make sure you don’t overexert your body if this is the case. Ignoring a hernia is never a good idea. It is absolutely essential to get the hernia repaired after pregnancy in order to avoid later complications.
