Umbilical hernia in pregnancy

The hernias They consist of a sac formed by the lining of the abdominal cavity, which passes through a hole or weak area in the strong layer of the abdominal wall that surrounds the muscle, which is medically known as the fascia.

Depending on its location we can distinguish different types of hernias: femoral, hiatal, inguinal, umbilical and surgical or eventration. However, in the case of pregnant women The most common is umbilical hernia, but we should not mention that gestation is a cause of hernia appearance, but that it actually exists from birth, but it is in this period when it manifests or diagnoses for the first time (especially during the second trimester, as a consequence of the growth of the uterus).

It is, in fact, a very frequent complication that appears during pregnancy, although the most usual thing is that it does not cause problems during pregnancy or during delivery. Moreover, many medical specialists consider it as "exceptional" that an umbilical hernia is strangulated during pregnancy.

What is an umbilical hernia?

From a medical point of view we can define a hernia as the exit to the outside of an organ covered by the peritoneum, which basically consists of a membrane that covers the different organs of our abdomen.

It usually tends to be a part of the small intestine, or for example of the different layers that surround it, either through a hole or a defect that occurs in the abdominal wall that we find just below the skin.

The most common is umbilical hernia, and as its name indicates is that which appears in or around the navel.

It can be of two types depending on its etiology or origin: the primary umbilical hernia that is present from the moment of birth, or the incisional umbilical hernia that arises as a cause of previous surgical interventions in the area, which then finds a place where to exit or protrude to the outside after the realization of different continuous efforts in the abdominal area.

Why it appears in pregnancy

The causes of umbilical hernia in pregnancy are practically the same as any other umbilical hernia that appears at another time in life: it occurs as a result of an anatomical defect of the umbilicus.

That is, as indicated above, it is not a hernia that appears as a result of the growth of the abdomen or the weight of the fetus. In fact, the most common is that it is already present from birth, but ultimately or is diagnosed or becomes more dormant in this period.

It is therefore a condition that already exists before pregnancy, but in reality does not tend to manifest until the moment in which the woman becomes pregnant.

Symptoms of umbilical hernia in pregnancy

Generally, umbilical hernias are asymptomatic, that is, in most cases they do not produce symptoms. But this does not mean that on certain occasions they do not appear.

In fact, it is possible to distinguish or appreciate an increase in the volume of the navel, or the exit of an umbilical protuberance when performing abdominal efforts.

What is the prognosis of umbilical hernia in pregnancy?

In general, the prognosis is actually very good, not affecting the normal evolution of pregnancy and usually does not require surgical treatment. It's more, it does not imply risks for the fetus.

In fact, during pregnancy it is important to avoid surgery, as it involves risks and a high recidivism of the hernia due to the continuous stretching of the abdominal wall.

Hence, in the case of surgical treatment, it is advisable only after the delivery has elapsed. This article is published for informational purposes only. It can not and should not replace the consultation with a Physician. We advise you to consult your Trusted Doctor. ThemesGastrointestinal disorders

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