A hernia is a condition in which a part of the intestine or other tissue pushes through a weakened layer of the muscle in your abdomen.  Because of the extra strain that pregnancy places on the abdomen, pregnant women are more prone to developing a hernia.

External hernias are the most common type of hernia in pregnant women, occurring usually in the lower abdomen or groin area. The majority of hernias occur in the groin and are classified as either inguinal or femoral hernias. However, pregnant women are more likely to develop an umbilical hernia that affects the region surrounding the navel.

If your hernia isn’t causing you any pain or protruding too far, it will most likely heal after you deliver your baby. But, if the hernia starts giving you agonising pain or if it sticks out further than it has in the past, it may be an indication of strangulated hernia. 

These hernias can lose blood flow, causing damage to your intestines, necessitating more extensive therapy or surgery. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to the symptoms and behaviour of the hernia to get the right treatment at the right time.

Click here to book a consultation for hernia treatment during pregnancy in Chandigarh:

Reasons of Hernia during Pregnancy

The majority of hernias are congenital, which means that they are present at the time of birth. A hernia may be undetected until it swells during pregnancy. There are certain reasons why hernias happen during pregnancy:https://healinghospital.co.in/general-surgery/

• Multiple pregnancies (twins, triplets, and more)
• Prior pregnancies, especially those ending in long labours
• Previous abdominal surgery
• Being overweight
• Older age
• Family history of hernias
• Chronic constipation
• Chronic sneezing or coughing
• Lifting heavy objects
• Naturally weak stomach muscles
• Having excess fluid in the stomach or body

Symptoms of Hernia during Pregnancy

Symptoms of hernia do not appear visibly in every pregnancy. In most cases, women get aware of it only when the gynaecologist performs a physical exam or imaging tests as part of the pregnancy care. There are, however, some symptoms that are common in different types of hernia during pregnancy:

• A bulge appears when you lie down or press on a nearby area.
• Pain during activities such as walking, bending, laughing, sneezing, coughing and lifting heavy objects.
• Nausea, vomiting, inability to pass stool, gas, bulge not pushing in and changing colour (in strangulated hernia).
• Mentioned symptoms becoming more severe as pregnancy progresses.

Also Read: https://healinghospital.co.in/5-things-you-should-know-before-getting-hernia-surgery/

Treatment of Hernia during Pregnancy

A minor umbilical hernia that occurs during pregnancy may not require any treatment. Once you deliver, it should go away. If the bulge bothers you, consider using a belly band to keep it in place or massage it back into your stomach.

Surgery is usually recommended during pregnancy only if your hernia has become strangulated and is putting your life in danger. But if you’re having a C-section and have a severe hernia, some doctors may recommend that you get it treated surgically during the C-section.

However, if on watchful monitoring your condition the doctor feels that surgery is needed during pregnancy, laparoscopic surgery can repair the hernia. This surgery uses small incisions and a camera to repair the hernia under the use of general anaesthesia.

After the hernia surgery, remember to avoid lifting anything heavy for at least 6 weeks. A hernia repair has the potential to reopen or occur again. Once you’ve fully healed from the operation and childbirth, talk to your doctor about the best ways to strengthen these abdominal muscles.

Takeaway

In most cases, a hernia during pregnancy or labour does not harm the baby since it is safely enclosed inside the uterus. However, if the hernia is hampering your ability to eat, it is best to speak with your OB-GYN to get the proper nourishment that you and your baby need. 

At the same time, because of the pressure of bearing a new life, a hernia can worsen during pregnancy. If you feel intense pain, pressure or symptoms such as vomiting, get emergency medical attention. 

Looking for the best hernia treatment during pregnancy in Chandigarh? Go no further: https://healing2.tarefadesigning.com/general-surgery/