Hernias can cause pain or discomfort and a visible lump in the abdomen.
During pregnancy, a person can develop three different types, including hiatal, inguinal, and umbilical hernias.
Pregnancy is considered a risk factor for hiatal hernias.
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How Common Are Hiatal Hernias in Pregnancy?
It is most likely to occur during the second trimester.
This weakens the groin muscle and the resulting hernia.Having obesitycan also be a risk factor.
How Common Are Inguinal Hernias in Pregnancy?
According to older research published in 2011, only 0.1% of pregnant people will develop an inguinal hernia.
This leads to a weaker area of the abdomen in adulthood.
People are more likely to get umbilical hernias in the second or third trimesters.
Some risk factors include:
How Common Are Umbilical Hernias in Pregnancy?
Umbilical hernias are not common, and roughly 0.08% of pregnant people will develop one during their pregnancy.
The symptoms that develop will depend on where the hernia is located and the pop in.
Fortunately, hernias during pregnancy are rarely a cause for concern.
Triggering activities for pregnancy hernias include:
Recurrent Hernia Risk Factors
Some people experience recurrent hernias.
Are Pregnancy Hernias Serious?
While you should get a diagnosis for a hernia during pregnancy, they rarely cause complications.
Also, most pregnant people go on to have healthy, uncomplicated births.
Some therapy options for hernia pain during pregnancy include:
Who Needs Surgery for a Pregnancy Hernia?
Many pregnant people will not needsurgery for a herniaduring pregnancy.
This is especially true if it is not causing any complications or symptoms.
If surgery is needed, it is performed during thesecond or third trimesters.
Laparoscopic is often the first choice because it is less invasive and safer for people who are pregnant.
Hernia surgery during pregnancy also comes with an increased risk of hernia recurrence.
Risks and Complications of Untreated Hernias
In rare cases, an untreated hernia can become strangulated.
University of Michigan Health.Hiatal hernias.
doi:10.1136/bmjgast-2020-000565
Harvard Health Publishing.Inguinal hernia.
2016;82(11):1063-1067. doi:10.7759/cureus.8959
Brigham and Women’s Hospital.What is a recurrent hernia?
Advent Health.What to know about hernias during pregnancy.
