How to deal with a hernia after giving birth, at the doctor and at home

Not a few mothers who experience hernias, aka fall into oblivion after giving birth. A hernia in a woman who has just given birth is called an umbilical hernia. Umbilical hernias can cause pain around the abdomen and belly button. So, how do you deal with a hernia after giving birth? The following is the review.

What causes a hernia after childbirth?

Source: Mom Junction

An umbilical hernia is characterized by a belly button that looks more prominent than usual because a part of the intestinal organ pushes out through the abdominal wall.

This condition arises because at first the uterus continues to grow throughout pregnancy. In the end, the pressure continues to make the intestines more and more against the wall of the stomach which is also getting stretched even more.

During pregnancy too, your umbilical cord passes through the smallest gap in the baby's abdominal muscles. The small opening will close by itself after the baby is born. Unfortunately in some cases, the muscles don't close completely.

The existence of this small gap and coupled with excessive stretching of the muscles during childbirth will result in the abdominal wall muscles becoming thinner and weaker. These are the reasons why you are at high risk of developing an umbilical hernia after giving birth.

The bulge caused by an umbilical hernia is usually painful to the touch. It is not uncommon for the mother's navel area to become swollen. The pain is usually worse when the lower abdomen is put under pressure, for example due to obesity, multiple pregnancies, sneezing, persistent cough, or when lifting heavy objects. This condition can also be exacerbated by diseases such as ascites, which is the presence of fluid in the abdominal cavity.

Various ways to deal with umbilical hernias

A hernia is a serious medical condition that can have dangerous effects if left untreated. Therefore, immediately consult a doctor when you feel a bulge causing pain in the navel after childbirth.

There are several ways you can treat a hernia after giving birth, such as:

Through surgery

The surgical procedure through laparoscopy is a very effective way to treat hernias. Laparoscopy is performed to repair the weakened muscle walls, preventing the internal organs from sticking out.

In the process the doctor will make a small incision at the base of the navel to return the protruding tissue to the abdominal cavity.

After successfully returning the tissue to the abdominal cavity, the doctor will use Mesh, which is a material that can provide an additional layer of strength over the weakened tissue.

The procedure for treating hernias with Mesh is quite effective because it can reduce the recurrence rate of the hernia compared to just closing the gap with regular sutures.

Light exercise

Apart from surgery, the doctor will also usually ask you to do regular exercise. Doing proper exercise regularly can help strengthen weak abdominal muscles and reduce bulges back to normal.

You are advised to exercise lightly that does not put excessive pressure on the stomach and pelvic muscles. Breathing exercises, yoga, stretching, cycling, and meditation are a variety of exercises that you can combine as a way to deal with a hernia naturally.

Don't wear high heels just yet

Once diagnosed with an umbilical hernia, never wear high heels. The pressure you receive while walking can cause your lower abdominal muscles to tighten. This will worsen any hernia you have.

In addition, try to improve your posture by sitting and standing in an upright position so that the bulge doesn't come out more.