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Inguinal Hernia During Pregnancy

Inguinal hernias develop during pregnancy support belts relieve pain

Inguinal Hernia During Pregnancy Find Relief!

When I was pregnant during my 6th month of pregnancy I found it difficult to walk by the end of the day because of severe pain in my groin area.  I was surprised to discover that I had developed an inguinal hernia because I was in good shape and had never experienced symptoms before this time. I could not walk without pushing in on the hernia which was located in my groin area.  I decided to design a device to give me back my comfort, movement and normal life. I developed the CABEA Babybellyband® with Compression Therapy Groin band support. The groin bands Velcro on to the Babybellyband® abdominal band so you can control the placement and compression support to your comfort level. The relief is immediate and fantastic!  You’ll be able to walk at the end of the day, play with your kids, lead a normal life again!

Definition from The Mayo Clinic

‘An inguinal hernia occurs when soft tissue — usually part of the membrane lining the abdominal cavity (omentum) or part of the intestine — protrudes through a weak point in the abdominal muscles. The resulting bulge can be painful, especially when you cough, bend over or lift a heavy object’.

How does a hernia effect pregnancy?
During pregnancy, the weight of the fetus puts pressure on the groin area.   If the abdominal muscle wall is weak, a hernia can occur (a hernia is when the muscle wall is weakened and the intestines or organs which are usually held in by the muscle, push through causing a protrusion).  The most common hernia with pregnancy is an inguinal hernia which protrudes in the groin area.  During my pregnancy I developed an inguinal hernia and the result was very uncomfortable.  I could not walk comfortably with out pushing on the hernia to give it support, nor could I lift my other children without extreme pain.  I  had gained an average amount of weight hence, that the muscle wall in the groin area was genetically weak causing the hernia.    Wearing support, like the Babybellyband® , helps to prevent more damage and relieve the discomfort allowing a woman to lead a normal, active life: working, walking, carrying other children, without so much pain. After I birthed my child, the hernia disappeared and has not appeared again.  This often happens although in more extreme cases, the hernia must be repaired after pregnancy.

Prevention

By the Mayo Clinic

You can’t prevent the congenital defect that makes you susceptible to an inguinal hernia. You can do things to reduce strain on your abdominal muscles and tissues, however. For example:

  • Maintain a healthy weight.
  • Emphasize high-fiber foods.
  • Lift heavy objects carefully or avoid heavy lifting altogether.
  • Stop smoking.
  • Avoid relying on a truss. Wearing a supportive garment designed to keep hernias in place (hernia truss) doesn’t correct the underlying problem or help prevent complications. Your doctor might recommend a hernia truss for a short time before surgery to help you feel more comfortable, but the truss isn’t a replacement for surgery.

More articles on Curing Hernia Pain During Pregnancy

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Caroline Christensen, M.Ed

Founder & Designer of Babybellyband Maternity Support Wear - pelvic health products for women and men experiencing discomfort caused by pregnancy, hernia, lymphedema or prolapse. Designed, patented & trademarked Babybellyband® products by CABEA® University of Massachusetts Amherst B.S. Exercise Science - Caridac Rehab, Kinesiology University of Massachusetts Amherst M. Ed Science Education Member: American College of Nurse Midwives

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