Hernia During Pregnancy: Everything you need to know about it

New Delhi : When an organ pushes through or bulges through a muscle or tissue that holds it in place via an abnormal opening. A hernia usually includes the stomach or the intestines. The most common symptoms of a hernia are dull pain or discomfort and sometimes even tenderness. It normally occurs around the abdomen or groin area. But did you know that pregnant women are at a higher risk of hernia? Pregnancy causes the stomach to grow and stretch which in turn puts a lot of pressure on the muscles and tissues of the abdomen. This can cause an internal organ to protrude out through the walls of the abdomen. A hernia often hurts when you cough or sneeze. 

While this may not seem like a big problem but it can pose a health risk for a pregnant woman. If not treated in time, this can lead to a lot of complications and health risks during pregnancy and in some cases, it can also be fatal. now, before you panic, it is essential to understand that not every pregnant woman is at risk. The other factors that contribute to it are multiple pregnancies, obesity, late pregnancy, constipation and other such factors. A hernia can also cause other symptoms like nausea, vomiting, sharp pain, inability to pass stools and it may also turn red in case of a pregnant woman. This is why it is important to consult your ob-gyne in such cases. 

A hernia can be fatal for a pregnant woman and can lead to dangerous complications and this is why it is very important to keep an eye out for these symptoms and seek help and treatment at the earliest. In the case of a pregnant woman, a tummy support belt can help in treating this health condition. You can also ask your doctor to suggest you some light exercise which can help the muscles and tissues around your abdomen heal but in case none of it works, you may have to undergo surgery and it's best to be mentally prepared for it in such cases.