If you are planning a pregnancy then it would be wise to have an existing hernia properly and reliably repaired first. The advice to avoid hernia surgery during pregnancy is, almost certainly, the best way. The best advice is often to leave well alone until after the baby is born and you have completely recovered.
Will pregnancy make a hernia worse?
If you have a hernia while you are pregnant, you may experience some pain or discomfort, or you may have no symptoms at all. In many cases, the hernia actually becomes less painful in the later stages of pregnancy because the growing uterus blocks the hole in the muscles.
Should you repair inguinal hernia before pregnancy?
In pre-pregnancy patients, if the hernia is large and symptomatic, it may be better to do an elective repair and then wait for one or two years before the next pregnancy. However, if the hernia is small or minimally symptomatic, it may be better to hold the repair until after delivery or after the last pregnancy.
Will hernia repair affect pregnancy?
The current literature recommends delaying elective repair until after the last pregnancy, because pregnancy following hernia repair increases the risk of recurrence 1.6-fold. Mesh repair has been associated with a decreased recurrence rate.
Is it OK to get pregnant with a hernia Related Questions
Can I give birth naturally with a hernia?
Most women with hernias can have normal vaginal deliveries. On rare occasions, a hernia can appear during or immediately after labor. This is due to the abdominal pressure required during labor as women push a baby out.
Can you give birth with an inguinal hernia?
(1) A hernia does not put your growing baby at risk. Because the fetus is growing in your uterus, it is not connected to the inguinal hernia area in your groin. Most women with inguinal hernias have a normal vaginal birth, however, with larger hernias you may be recommended to have a cesarean section birth.
Can a hernia affect a baby?
Once a hernia goes away or is treated, most babies have no lasting problems. But, if a hernia is strangulated and blood supply is cut off, this could cause damage to the bowel or testicles. Talk with the healthcare provider about how your baby is likely to get better.
Can a hernia hurt a baby?
In most cases, hernias are not a cause for alarm. But they can lead to serious health complications, so it is important for parents to talk to their child’s pediatrician right away if there are signs of a hernia.
Should I delay hernia surgery?
When is it safe to delay surgery? You and your doctor may want to put off surgery if: The hernia is small and you don’t have any symptoms, or if the symptoms don’t bother you much. The hernia can be pushed back into the belly or it goes away when you lie down.
What are the dangers of not repairing an inguinal hernia?
If it is left untreated, a strangulated hernia can lead to life-threatening conditions such as necrotizing enterocolitis (severe inflammation of intestine) and sepsis. Since hernias can happen to anyone at any age, knowing warning signs of hernias and being aware of them are essential.
What happens if you don’t fix an inguinal hernia?
At some point the hernia will become larger and you will experience symptoms of pain, discomfort, a fullness in your groin or stomach, and it will eventually limit your activities. The larger a hernia becomes, the harder it is to repair. The only lasting treatment is surgical repair.
Is hernia repair high risk?
Overall, the risk for complications in inguinal hernia repair is low (2.9–8%).
How long is recovery from hernia surgery?
The latest hernia repair techniques usually allow you to return to normal activities within 2 weeks. Gentle exercise, such as walking, can help the healing process. Heavy lifting and strenuous activities should be avoided for about 4 to 6 weeks.
How do you treat an inguinal hernia while pregnant?
Hernia Treatment & Prevention Surgery is truly the only effective way to fix a hernia. The wall of the muscle must be surgically repaired to prevent the organ from coming through. However, it is recommended NOT to have this surgery during pregnancy, unless it is imposing a risk to you or your baby.
Can exercise help inguinal hernia?
The benefits of exercise may help you manage many chronic health conditions and alleviate the symptoms of a hernia. However, you must be careful as some exercises can cause strain on your affected area and may worsen your hernia.
How do you fix a hernia without surgery?
A hernia usually does not go away without surgery. Non-surgical approaches such as wearing a corset, binder, or truss may exert gentle pressure on the hernia and keep it in place. These methods may ease the pain or discomfort and may be used if you are not fit for the surgery or awaiting surgery.
Which gender is more likely to get inguinal hernia?
Inguinal hernia in females is relatively uncommon as compared to males. It is interesting to note that 1 male in 5 and 1 female in 50 will eventually develop inguinal hernia in lifetime. The incidence of inguinal hernia in females is 1.9%, the ratio of boys to girls being 6:1 [1].
Does inguinal hernia affect female fertility?
About 5-20% of inguinal hernias have the ovary or fallopian tube in the hernia sac. Surgical interventions during childhood may cause damage. Unawareness of this damage can cause infertility in future.
Who is most likely to get an inguinal hernia?
Being male. Men are eight times more likely to develop an inguinal hernia than are women. Being older. Being white. Family history. Chronic cough, such as from smoking. Chronic constipation. Pregnancy. Premature birth and low birth weight.
Can you push a hernia back in?
Most inguinal hernias can be pushed back into the belly with gentle massage and pressure. An inguinal hernia will not heal on its own. If you have symptoms, or the hernia is growing, you may need surgery.