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Hernia is a bulging of the wall of a cavity. It can occur in any part of the human body, but most often it occurs in the area of the anterior abdominal wall, specifically the umbilicus. Umbilical hernias during pregnancy are caused by the weakening of the ligaments and muscles in the area around the umbilicus, which is stretched by the growing uterus and enlarging abdomen.
Causes of formation
During the growth of the uterus during pregnancy, there is a significant increase in its size. This leads to an increase in the volume of a woman's abdomen and a significant stretching of the muscles in the ring area, which is the main factor in the development of a bulge. Additionally, umbilical hernias after pregnancy can occur due to the lack of strength and elasticity of the abdominal muscles. Several factors can contribute to this pathological process.
- Hereditary predisposition, in which there is a genetic defect in the strength, elasticity of muscles as well as connective tissue.
- A woman's increased weight, which can provoke stretching of the abdominal wall.
- A large fetus or two or more fetuses, they significantly increase the volume of the uterus.
- Multihydroids is a condition of increased volume of amniotic fluid.
- Re-conception of a child — the likelihood of developing a bulge increases significantly with each subsequent pregnancy, especially if the previous birth was characterized by a difficult course.
Umbilical hernia during pregnancy can provoke a number of complications, so it requires careful monitoring as well as observation by a doctor.
Complications
Umbilical hernias in pregnant women can cause a number of serious complications that can significantly affect the health and well-being of both the mother and the baby. These complications can lead to disruption of the normal course of childbirth, and in some cases, they can even be life-threatening. One of the most dangerous complications is a condition called incarceration, in which the contents of the hernial sac (usually a loop of intestine or a piece of omentum) become trapped and compressed, leading to a blockage of blood flow and tissue death (necrosis). This can cause severe constipation, which can further exacerbate the condition. It is important for pregnant women with umbilical hernias to be monitored closely by their healthcare providers throughout pregnancy to prevent and manage any potential complications. In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to resolve the hernia and prevent further complications.
Treatment
The course of this pathological condition does not usually require surgical intervention. Instead, careful observation and follow-up by medical professionals is recommended. This includes avoiding lifting heavy weights and wearing a supportive bandage. If complications arise, such as pinching, surgical intervention may be necessary. In most cases, the bulge will resolve on its own after childbirth. However, if there are no complications, it may be removed at that time as well. It is important to work with a healthcare provider to determine the best course of action for each individual case.
Pregnancy after umbilical hernia removal
If a woman is planning to become pregnant after the removal of a pathological bulge, it is recommended to wait at least several years before attempting pregnancy. This period of time is necessary to allow the abdominal wall in the ring area to strengthen sufficiently. The duration of this period also depends on the type of surgery performed and the presence or absence of plasticization in the ring.
After undergoing umbilical hernia surgery, it is best to plan for pregnancy in consultation with a surgeon and gynecologist. After a thorough examination, they will recommend a suitable time frame for you to conceive. In addition, the doctors may recommend measures to prevent the recurrence of abdominal wall protrusion.