Pregnancy is a time of tremendous change in a woman’s body. It can bring up lots of emotions and lots of questions. As a hernia specialist, Dr. Gregory Dumanian is often asked about hernias during pregnancy. Hernias are routine and usually manageable during pregnancy. Most pose no risk to the mother or developing baby.
Read on as Dr. Dumanian reveals more about the symptoms and treatment for hernias during pregnancy.
What To Expect When You’re Expecting
A hernia develops as the result of a weakness in the abdominal muscles. During pregnancy, the abdomen enlarges to accommodate the growing baby, and the abdominal muscles tend to stretch, thin and weaken. This creates conditions that are particularly conducive to the development of a hernia.
The most common type of hernia that develops during pregnancy is an umbilical hernia, which occurs right around the navel. Periumbilical or epigastric hernias, which develop near the navel, are less common. The least common type of hernia during pregnancy is an inguinal hernia, which occurs in the groin area.
Some hernias are asymptomatic during pregnancy. Other hernias cause symptoms that can be felt or seen, such as a soft lump near the navel or in the groin area, and a dull ache that may worsen during strenuous activity, coughing, sneezing, laughing intensely or bending over. If you experience any symptoms of a hernia during pregnancy, you should see a doctor promptly for evaluation. Although a hernia may not be serious, it should never be ignored.
Is Hernia Surgery Recommended During Pregnancy?
If your hernia is not causing excessive pain or posing an imminent threat to your health, treatment is typically not necessary. Unless the risks of not having the surgery outweigh the risks of having the surgery, most hernias are usually left alone.
Supporting the site of the hernia when laughing, coughing or sneezing — simply by pressing on the hernia itself — can reduce discomfort. Avoiding strenuous physical activities known to aggravate hernias is also recommended.
After pregnancy, some hernias resolve on their own. Careful monitoring is recommended to keep an eye on the condition and determine whether surgery is needed.
Contact Our Chicago Hernia Specialist
If you have a hernia and are trying to conceive, you should let your doctor know about your hernia so you can be closely watched. Or, you may discuss treating the hernia prior to conception for peace of mind. Call or email Dr. Gregory Dumanian with any questions.