Pregnancy is a phase that changes you as a person be it emotionally, physically or mentally. A woman goes through a lot along with the joy of bringing a new life into this world. One such condition that is most prominent in women after pregnancy is the development of umbilical hernia.
This is especially the case when they opt for methods such as c-section delivery. Well, this does not mean that cesarean delivery method is not right but being on the safe side is a must. Umbilical hernia after c-section is something that many people are not aware of and they do not know the symptoms behind its cause. In this comprehensive write-up we will go through the different symptoms of hernia to keep in mind.
Are Hernias Common After a C-Section?
Hernias may develop in women after cesarean birth. There is a chance that one will happen even though it is uncommon. Based on some research, around 2 out of every 1,000 women who had cesarean birth developed a hernia that required surgical correction.
Women who have cesarean births via an incision at the top or bottom of the abdomen are more likely to exhibit these hernias. In contrast, women who have undergone abdominal incisions on the side have had less hernias. The majority of hernias often manifest within the first year after birth. While many hernias develop three years after birth, others tend to happen immediately after delivery.
Is Hernia Risk Increased Following Cesarean Delivery?
A little hernia that just affects the lining of the abdomen may be as big as a grape. This kind of hernia is not problematic and may last for years.
Complications are more likely to occur with large intestine-related protrusions or hernias. The tissues may get contaminated if they are imprisoned or strangulated. Surgery is needed as soon as feasible to solve this issue.
What Causes a Hernia After a Cesarean Delivery?
The causes underlying the emergence of an incisional hernia following a C-section birth rely on a range of conditions. A couple of them could be connected to the woman's physical attributes, and others might have to do with the operation. The following are the causes of post-C-section hernias in women:
- The risk of a hernia increases in women whose abdominal tissue is weaker and may not be able to hold the abdomen in place.
- The risk of a hernia might rise if gestational diabetes is present during pregnancy.
- Being overweight raises the risk of pulling the lining through the incision because it puts more pressure on the abdomen during pregnancy and delivery than is normal.
- In certain situations, a bigger incision is required than normal to facilitate a successful delivery, which raises the risk of a hernia.
- Sneezing and coughing a lot when recovering from a C-section might put strain on your incision and cause it to burst.
- One possible cause is straining during bowel motions, which puts a lot of pressure on the abdomen.
- These hernias are only noticeable in the physical form, and external intervention is the only way to treat them.
Risk Factors
In addition to the causes previously mentioned, a few other significant factors are important to consider when calculating the risks of a hernia following a Cesarean delivery.
- Firstly, a woman's chances of developing a hernia increase significantly with each subsequent cesarean delivery if she has had multiple pregnancies that ended in one.
- Secondly, if she has a history of abdominal hernias, her risk of having another one after a C-section may be higher because the abdominal wall may already be weak from the previous episodes.
- Finally, it is crucial to disclose to your doctor about any past surgeries or hernias before undergoing a Cesarean delivery.
What Post-C-Section Hernia Symptoms Are There?
A hernia's existence is the most obvious sign, but the body may also exhibit a few other symptoms as a response to the hernia. After a C-section, signs of a hernia include:
Bulge in Abdomen
An obvious symptom of a hernia is this, which often manifests as a bulge that seems to protrude from the area where the surgical incision was made. The bulge may sometimes be seen encircling the whole area.
While some women may experience this immediately after giving birth, most notice it later in the months that follow. When you attempt to lift anything or stand up straight, the bulge becomes more noticeable. It might also be felt when you cough.
When the uterus starts to shrink and the body attempts to repair the incision, the abdominal skin becomes loose and swollen, making a hernia difficult to recognize. As such, a mere visual inspection may not be sufficient to determine if a hernia is present.
Nausea Associated With Constipation
The intestines and the stomach may be impacted by a cesarean section since the procedure impacts the whole abdominal region. Constipation may result from any disruption to the intestines' normal posture, which might render them less effective in breaking down food and eliminating waste. Nausea may result from an upset stomach that irritates the stomach.
Adverse Abdominal Pain
Given that most women feel some degree of discomfort after a Cesarean birth, this is one of the most perplexing signs of a hernia. The pain may be a result of both the healing process and the abdominal bulge, but if it persists even after the incision has healed, it may be a sign of a hernia.
How Can a Hernia Be Identified?
If the hernia is serious, most physicians can identify it by looking at the abdomen. Making a prompt diagnosis, however, may be challenging if endometriosis or a hemorrhage are present in addition to an infected incision or a ruptured uterus. In certain situations, your physician could do an ultrasound or CT scan to have a better understanding of the internal hernia's location.
How Should a Hernia Be Handled Following a Cesarean Section?
The most effective way to treat a hernia after a C-section birth is via surgery. Your doctor may suggest using abdominal binders to support your hernia and lessen pain and discomfort if he believes it is risky to continue with surgery straight away. A laparoscopy or an incision to fix the hernia might be used in a surgical procedure.
Using a good abdominal binder for umbilical hernia after c-section delivery would be a wise choice. You can consult with your healthcare provider to find the best abdominal binder and deal with the umbilical hernia.
Advice for Avoiding Hernias Following Cesarean Delivery
Hernias are often seen after C-section deliveries. The following advice will help you avoid developing a hernia after a cesarean delivery:
- Follow the recommendations for mobility and exercise while you're healing after childbirth.
- In order to prevent straining, promptly treat constipation.
- If you start having a cough after birth, ask your doctor for a suppressant.
- After speaking with your doctor, use allergy medicine to relieve your sneezing.
- Keep your weight in a healthy range.
- Seek substitutes for steroid prescriptions.
- Steer clear of smoking.
- Avoid doing any strenuous lifting.
- Wait at least six months following your c-section before attempting to conceive or making any plans for a child.
- After your cesarean, wait at least six weeks before engaging in sexual activity.
Conclusion
With this write-up you have gained the complete information on umbilical hernia and how to cure it. Thus, if you want to purchase abdominal binder for umbilical hernia then your go-to destination is SNUG360. With a store of top-quality items we can exactly serve what you want. So, explore our store now!