A hernia during pregnancy occurs when an internal organ or tissue pushes through a weak spot in the surrounding muscle, creating a bulge. Common types include umbilical hernias (near the belly button) and inguinal hernias (in the groin area).
Pregnancy can increase the risk of hernias. This is because your growing uterus increases abdominal pressure and hormonal changes relax your muscles. While not always serious, it's important to have a healthcare professional evaluate a hernia for proper care.
Although hernias during pregnancy are rare, they most commonly found in the abdomen, particularly around the belly button or navel. Called umbilical hernias, these occur when tissue or part of the intestine pushes through the abdominal wall near the navel, often due to the increased pressure from a growing uterus.
Inguinal hernias (near the groin) are less common and occur when tissue bulges through a weak spot in the lower abdomen or groin area. This type of hernia can be more noticeable during physical activity or when coughing, as the added strain puts pressure on the weakened area.
The signs and symptoms of a hernia during pregnancy can vary depending on its location and severity. Sometimes you may not have any symptoms at all. Common symptoms include:
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
Normal bodily changes during pregnancy don’t always cause hernias. But sometimes the factors below may cause a hernia to occur 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
Certain factors increase the likelihood of developing a hernia during pregnancy. These risk factors include:
Multiple pregnancies
Obesity
Advanced maternal age (over 35 years)
Previous hernia history
Heavy lifting or physical strain
In general, there are several types of hernias. Any of these types can develop during pregnancy, although some are quite rare. Each type occurs in different areas of the body, and the symptoms may vary depending on the specific location and severity of the hernia. Below are the common types of hernias that can occur during pregnancy:
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.
It’s essential to let your healthcare provider know right away if you have severe pain or swelling at the site of your hernia, or any signs of complications such as fever and unusual nausea or vomiting.
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.
However, to confirm the diagnosis or rule out other potential causes of symptoms, your doctor might need to order further tests. These may include:
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.
Treatment for a hernia during pregnancy largely depends on the severity of the hernia and stage of pregnancy. Doctors typically recommend conservative management and postpone surgery, if needed, until after delivery.
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.
While hernias during pregnancy are manageable, there are potential complications that could arise. Some complications may require immediate medical attention, so it's important to stay aware of any changes in symptoms. Possible complications include:
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.
While not all hernias are preventable during pregnancy, you can take steps to reduce your risk and minimize the chances of complications. Here are some ways you can help prevent a hernia during pregnancy:
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.
