Umbilical Hernia After Pregnancy – Causes And Symptoms You Should Be Aware Of

Overweight Affects Elasticity:

Mind your weight while you are pregnant, as putting excess weight has a higher chance of affecting the elasticity of the abdominal muscles.

Prolonged Labor Time:

When the labor time is more, the abdominal muscles will get a lot of strain, and this could be the reason as well. Or it could be even because of the excessive pressure in the body. Coughing, weight lifting, or sneezing will result in this problem.

Earlier Surgeries:

If the individual has witnessed any previous surgeries, then even this could result in Hernia. If there are any fluids accumulated in the abdominal walls can also be the culprit.

What Are The Symptoms of Umbilical Hernia After Pregnancy?

Skin Symptoms:

This more often appears after a c- section. The skin on the bellybutton starts to get loose and bulge out. The skin even tends to turn reddish-blue as a hernia hampers with the blood flow in that area. This often happens in the case of a strangulated hernia, which needs immediate attention.

Pain:

The pain varies from being mild to severe. The pain and burning sensation tend to increase during coughing, sneezing, and bowel moments. The pain might get intense while lifting weights. Acute pain can be a sign of strangulated hernia, which needs immediate medical attention.

Gastrointestinal Symptoms:

Digestive disorders are another significant sign of an Umbilical hernia. The symptoms include gastric problems, vomiting, nausea, constipation, and even blood in the stool.

Treating an Umbilical Hernia After Pregnancy

An umbilical hernia after pregnancy can be treated in two ways:

Surgical Process of Recovering:

In this process, one can opt for laparoscopic surgery, which is less painful and recovers fast. Post-surgery the weakened muscles will gain strength. The reoccurrence of a hernia is very less in this case. While the problem is not severe, you can even do physical exercise and yoga for further strengthening of the core muscles and continue to lead a healthy life.

Non-Surgical Treatment:

If there is no strangulation involved and the hernia is not severe, most of the doctors recommend nonsurgical procedures to combat a hernia after pregnancy. Through regular exercises (which will not put excessive pressure on the abdomen), yoga, stretching, and even meditation, the protrusion will get back to normal. Therefore, learn the stress-relieving techniques. Maintaining the right posture is also equally important. Sit in an up straight position and stand straight. All these are the simple things that reduce the pain and protrusion again and again. Avoid wearing high heels as this enhances strain on the abdomen.

Simple Exercises to Reduce Umbilical Hernia After Pregnancy

The painful protrusion takes its own time to get normal. You can reduce this protrusion if you can follow or do some simple exercising techniques. Among hundreds of ways, here are two effective methods advised by experts and individuals who faced this problem.

Cycling Leg Exercises:

Ensure you are doing this exercise on a slanted board. With this, your legs are going to be in a high position compared to your head. Start paddling in a circular motion by lifting your legs upward. Doing this creates pressure on your abdomen. There will reduce chances of swelling of an umbilical hernia.

Boat Pose (Yoga Posture):

This is a simple process where you have to sit on the floor and keep your legs stretched straight in front of you. Raise your legs towards the chest by placing the hands under the thighs. Try to be in this position for ten seconds, and slowly you can return to the initial position. You can gradually see the difference once you get a hand overdoing these poses regularly.
Conclusion:
Remember, a hernia is definitely a serious medical issue. A hernia, irrespective of its severity, if ignored, might cause several complications later. Therefore, any change in appearance in the belly button area should be taken into the notice of your doctor. You just must exercise if the discomfort is very less. On the other hand, when it is a severe hernia, then you must consult the doctor for the right procedure. The severe effects include reduced blood supply to the intestine and intense abdominal pain. Have a clear discussion on your problems with the doctor to know the right precaution. Get back to your normal health post-delivery by getting the treatment or right guidance on time. Else this would lead to many other health issues in the future.