Reasons Why Hernia Is Closely Associated With Motherhood
As we are observing Mother’s day this month, we are sending our tributes to all mothers’ along with spreading more awareness on hernia, a condition mothers mostly suffer after and before childbirth.
A hernia is a medical condition, which happens when a portion of an internal organ budges out through an abdominal opening. A hernia is very common amongst both men and women. However, pregnant women are highly susceptible to it. Thankfully, this condition can be resolved through hernia surgery.
Though hernia may not show any symptoms, often it can be found to be very painful for certain individuals. Let’s get to know how hernia is associated with motherhood.
During Pregnancy:
During pregnancy as your belly grows and stretches, the pressure on the abdominal wall starts to increase. Your abdomen gets pressurized significantly as it needs to carry the baby’s weight. Thus, the abdominal tissues get weaken due to immense load and it tears apart the membrane, making a hernia bulge out.
Who’s At Risk?
All pregnant women are at risk, but during pregnancy, the risk of hernia gets even more obvious, such as-
1. If you are expecting twins or more.
2. If you are obese or overweight.
3. If you had abdominal surgery previously.
4. If you had a previous C-section
During Childbirth:
If you diagnosed with a hernia during pregnancy, the doctor may suggest a C-section. This is done because, during normal delivery, a hernia can budge out, while the mother needs to put a lot of pressure on their abdomen to push out the baby. Though it is rare, this condition may arise.
Does It Hurt The Baby?
No, the baby won’t get hurt by the hernia as he/she grows up in the uterus. But you need to consult with your doctor immediately if hernia occurs in this condition.
After Pregnancy:
After childbirth, umbilical hernia is common amongst mothers’. It may show up soon after childbirth or even many years later. Due to the extreme stretchiness of the abdomen during pregnancy, the muscles won’t join fully even after birth, and may cause an umbilical hernia in the future.
Though every mother is at the risk of having a hernia in the future after childbirth, several factors might uplift the chances even more, such as
1. Being Obese or overweight.
2. Coughing and sneezing too often.
3. Heavy weight lifting or carrying loads.
4. Having any Previous abdominal surgery.
If you feel a soft lump in your abdominal or groin area during or after your pregnancy, you need to consult a doctor immediately. If left untreated, it can cut off the blood supply, damaging your intestines. Thankfully, hernia surgery can resolve hernia permanently.
Varanasi Hospital wishes all mothers’ a Happy Mother’s Day. Stay safe and keep your baby safe!
Read also : How To Recover Faster After An Inguinal Hernia Repair?
