Hernia During Pregnancy

• A Visible Bulge or Lump Often near the belly button or in the groin area, a lump may become more noticeable when coughing, laughing, or straining.
• Pain or Discomfort Mild to moderate pain or a feeling of pressure may occur in the affected area, especially when moving or lifting.
• Swelling or Tenderness The area around the hernia may feel swollen or tender to touch.
• Nausea or Vomiting If the hernia involves the intestine, it can cause digestive issues, such as nausea or vomiting, particularly if the intestine becomes trapped (incarcerated).
• Constipation or Difficulty Passing Stool In some cases, a hernia may lead to digestive issues, including constipation, as a result of pressure on the bowel.

If you experience severe pain or a sudden increase in bulge size, it's important to seek medical attention, as these may be a sign of more serious complications.

Pregnancy may contribute to a hernia because of the physical changes it causes. These and other factors contribute to the likelihood of developing a hernia during pregnancy.

Causes of Hernia During Pregnancy

• Increased Intra-Abdominal Pressure The growing uterus puts pressure on the abdominal wall.
• Weakened Abdominal Muscles Pregnancy stretches and weakens the muscles of the abdominal wall.
• Hormonal Changes Pregnancy hormones, like relaxin, can soften tissues and ligaments.
• Previous Surgery or Scar Tissue Previous abdominal surgery can create weak spots in the abdominal wall.
• Rapid Weight Gain Excessive weight gain during pregnancy can increase abdominal pressure.

Risk Factors of Hernia During Pregnancy

• Multiple pregnancies
• Obesity
• Advanced maternal age (over 35 years)
• Previous hernia history
• Heavy lifting or physical strain

• Umbilical hernia
• Inguinal hernia
• Incisional hernia, which occurs at the site of a previous surgical incision such as a healed C-section scar
• Diaphragmatic hernia, a rare occurrence when part of the intestines or stomach moves into the chest cavity through the diaphragm

In most cases, doctors will simply monitor your hernia, as it doesn’t pose an immediate risk to you or your baby. Many pregnant women experience mild hernia symptoms — or none at all — that require no urgent medical intervention. However, some hernias, particularly if they cause pain or become incarcerated (when the tissue becomes trapped), may require more attention and treatment.

A hernia can become serious if it leads to complications such as bowel obstruction, strangulation (where blood flow to the trapped tissue is cut off), or infection. These conditions can pose risks to both mother and baby, and may require immediate surgery.

Doctors typically diagnose a hernia during pregnancy through a symptom history and physical exam. In many cases, a healthcare provider can identify a hernia based on its characteristic bulge and tenderness.

Physical Examination

The first step in diagnosing a hernia during pregnancy is usually a physical exam. During this exam, your healthcare provider will touch your abdomen to feel for any bulging or tenderness, especially near the belly button or groin.

You may need to change positions for your provider to see and feel your hernia. A basic physical exam is often sufficient to diagnose a hernia, particularly if you have symptoms such as pain or pressure in the area.

Ultrasound

If the physical exam doesn’t provide enough information or your doctor can’t easily see or feel the hernia, the next step is typically an ultrasound. This noninvasive imaging test can provide clear visuals of the abdominal area.

This allows your healthcare provider to see if there’s any protruding tissue and to confirm the location and size of the hernia. Ultrasound is safe during pregnancy and is the preferred imaging technique for assessing hernias.

CT Scan

In rare cases, if your doctor suspects complications, they might recommend a computerized tomography (CT) scan. A CT scan uses X-rays to produce 2D cross-sectional images of the body’s soft tissues, bones, and blood vessels. Medical personnel can then “stack” these images to produce 3D models of specific body parts.

However, doctors usually avoid these tests during pregnancy unless necessary, as they expose the mother to radiation. Doctor typically only order CT scans when other diagnostic approaches are inconclusive.

MRI

if the hernia is difficult to assess with other methods, your doctor might recommend a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). An MRI uses radio waves and powerful magnets to create detailed images of areas of the body.

By combining the methods above, a healthcare provider can accurately diagnose a hernia and determine the best course of action for treatment, if necessary.

Conservative Management

Most women with a hernia during pregnancy do well with conservative management, such as rest and no heavy lifting, and do not require medical or surgical interventions. Some people use an abdominal binder or belly band, which can relieve pressure on the hernia. Talk to your doctor before using one of these to be sure it’s safe for you.

Surgical Intervention Postpartum

Doctors typically recommend waiting until after delivery to have surgery unless the hernia cuts off blood flow to trapped tissue (strangulation and incarceration). Surgery may be necessary if the hernia causes significant complications

But in most cases, doctors delay any necessary surgery until postpartum. After delivery, surgeons may repair the hernia using minimally invasive procedures, depending on its size and location.

Observation and Monitoring

In some cases, particularly for women with smaller hernias with no symptoms, doctors may choose to monitor the condition instead of providing immediate treatment. Some doctors call this the “wait and watch” approach.

Your doctor can track changes in size or symptoms at your regular prenatal checkups, and more frequently if necessary. If the hernia doesn’t cause significant problems, your doctor may recommend routine observation throughout your pregnancy.

• Strangulation This occurs when a portion of the intestine or tissue becomes trapped in the hernia and loses its blood supply. Strangulation can lead to tissue death and is a medical emergency. If you experience severe pain, nausea, vomiting, or fever, seek immediate medical care.
• Incarceration An incarcerated hernia happens when the tissue or organs trapped in the hernia can’t be pushed back into place. While less immediately dangerous than strangulation, incarceration can cause discomfort and may require surgical intervention to prevent further issues.
• Increased Discomfort or Pain As your pregnancy progresses, your growing uterus can place additional pressure on the hernia, leading to increased pain or swelling. This discomfort might interfere with daily activities and could require treatment for relief.
• Hernia Enlargement In some cases, the hernia may grow in size during pregnancy. This can lead to increased risk of complications, especially if it affects vital organs or causes significant pain.

If any of these complications occur, or if you notice changes in your hernia’s size, color, or pain level, contact your doctor right away.

• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Avoid heavy lifting.
• Strengthen your core muscles.
• Wear supportive garments.
• Prevent constipation.

• A hernia during pregnancy typically occurs when part of the intestine or abdominal tissue pushes through a weakened area in the abdominal wall, commonly near the belly button (umbilical) or groin (inguinal).
• While many hernias during pregnancy are mild and manageable, they can become serious if complications like strangulation or obstruction arise. If you experience severe pain, vomiting, or noticeable bulging, seek immediate medical attention.
• Preventive measures such as maintaining healthy pregnancy weight gain, avoiding heavy lifting, and strengthening your core can help reduce the risk of developing a hernia.
• If you suspect a hernia during pregnancy or experience any concerning symptoms, consult your healthcare provider.