Hernia while pregnant

Mama5181

So tonight I had hubby put his hand on my belly because i thought I felt LO moving.  He got all excited convinced he felt her......then I coughed and that spot got hard.  A few hours later I put my hand in the same spot and coughed and that little spot popped out hard again.  I am starting to realize this is prob not LO but a hernia.  I had gastric by pass surgery some years ago.  Hernias are super common after that.  I am thinking that the hernia was already there and now with LO growing the hernia is now working its way out farther.  Its right under my bypass scar next to my belly button.  Its not painful or anything but I am wondering if its going to effect her in the long run.  WIll it restrict where she can grow? ANyone else had this before?  FTM jitters here

Zcolesky10

I have had a hernia (umbilical ... so right above my belly button) for the past 7-8 years.  It has occasionally popped out during that time, and I have had to just keep pushing it back in.  When I found out I was pregnant, I told my OBGYN, who said that it will probably keep popping out more and to keep pushing it back in as normal (and it shouldn't bother the baby because he/she is very well protected in there).  She said that it shouldn't cause any problems with the baby's growth as well.  The only time that you need surgery (at least as far as I know ... btw I'm not a doctor so double check with your doctor for your case) is if you can't push it back in because that's when it could get strangled and die (mine is part of my intestines coming through the abdomen wall).  Hope this answers your questions!  Like I said, I'm not a doctor but try not to freak out tonight and give your doctor a call tomorrow in order to clarify any questions/ concerns

Agshan08

PP is right, The Hernia should not affect your baby at all. The only danger is if your intestines get caught in the hole and blood supply gets cut off. If this happens, trust me, you'll know. It will be painful. So if you ever can't push it back in and it's hard and painful go to the ER. Your doctor may recommend a support band to wear around your waist at that spot if it starts getting bigger or causing more problems. 

I'm totally guessing on this part but your uterus may actually offer some protection by blocking the intestines from being able to get into the hernia sac (and instead it would be just abdominal fat that can protrude), in which case you may just have to be super careful after the baby.  

Mama5181

Thanks so much for putting my mind at ease. I avoid google at all cost these days ;