Pregnancy is a transformative journey, but the physical changes your body undergoes can sometimes lead to unexpected health concerns. One such issue is a hernia after pregnancy. While it may feel alarming, hernias among new mothers are more common than many realise, and understanding why they happen and how to manage them can make recovery smoother and less stressful.
With the right information, timely care, and proper lifestyle adjustments, new moms can confidently handle this condition, shares Dr Amita Jain, one of the leading general and laparoscopic surgeons and one of the most experienced hernia repair surgeons in Delhi and India.
Why Hernias Happen After Pregnancy?
During pregnancy, your abdominal muscles stretch significantly to accommodate your growing baby. This stretching weakens the muscle wall and increases internal pressure, making it easier for tissues or organs to push through weak spots. Several factors contribute to hernia development after pregnancy:
Increased Abdominal Pressure – As the uterus expands, it exerts pressure on the abdominal wall. This pressure remains high during labour, especially when pushing.
Weakened Muscles and Connective Tissue – Hormones like relaxin and progesterone soften connective tissues to prepare the body for childbirth. This natural loosening may temporarily weaken the abdominal area.
Cesarean Section Incisions – Some new moms may develop incisional hernias where the C-section incision was made, especially if healing is slow or if excessive strain is placed on the area.
Diastasis Recti (Abdominal Muscle Separation) – Many women develop a gap between the rectus abdominis muscles. This separation increases the risk of hernia formation as the support to internal organs becomes reduced.
Heavy Lifting Post-Delivery – Lifting heavy objects, including older children or weights too soon after delivery, can strain healing tissues and lead to hernias.
Understanding Hernia After Pregnancy
Hernias appear when an internal tissue or part of an organ bulges through a weak spot in the abdominal muscles. Post-pregnancy, the most common types are umbilical hernias, inguinal hernias, and incisional hernias (after C-section). Here’s what new moms should know:
Common Symptoms to Watch For
- A soft bulge near the belly button, groin, or C-section scar
- Pain or discomfort when lifting, coughing, or standing for long periods
- A feeling of pressure, heaviness, or pulling sensation in the abdomen
- Mild to moderate pain that increases during physical activity
If the bulge becomes hard, painful, or cannot be pushed back in, or if you feel severe pain or nausea, seek medical attention immediately as this may indicate a strangulated hernia.
Diagnosis and When to See a Doctor
Doctors typically diagnose hernias through physical examination and sometimes imaging tests like an ultrasound. If symptoms affect your day-to-day activities or cause discomfort during postpartum recovery, it’s important not to ignore them.
Treatment Options
Watchful Monitoring: Some small hernias that cause minimal discomfort can be monitored over time, especially while the body is still recovering.
Lifestyle Modifications: Avoid heavy lifting, practice correct posture, and use abdominal support garments if advised by your doctor.
Physiotherapy: Strengthening exercises for core muscles, especially those tailored for postnatal recovery, can help improve abdominal integrity.
Surgical Repair: If the hernia is painful, enlarging, or causing complications, surgery is usually recommended. Modern hernia repair procedures are safe, effective, and often minimally invasive.
Can Hernias Go Away on Their Own?
Most hernias do not disappear without treatment, although symptoms may fluctuate. If the hernia is small and asymptomatic, doctors may delay surgery until the postpartum period is complete and the body regains strength, especially if you plan future pregnancies.
Tips to Reduce Discomfort and Prevent Worsening
- Avoid lifting anything heavier than your baby
- Support your abdomen with your hand when coughing or laughing
- Maintain a healthy weight postpartum
- Start gentle core-strengthening exercises only when medically cleared
- Eat a fibre-rich diet to prevent constipation and straining
Hernia after pregnancy can be uncomfortable and concerning, but with proper awareness and timely treatment, it is very manageable. Understanding why it happens and recognising symptoms early helps new moms make informed decisions about their health. By listening to your body, seeking professional guidance, and giving yourself time to heal, you can recover safely and continue enjoying motherhood with confidence.
For more information on Hernia development during pregnancy, you may refer to our blog – What do you need to do if you develop a hernia during pregnancy?
Dr Amita Jain is one of India’s most distinguished and experienced female surgeons, known for her unmatched expertise in general and laparoscopic surgery. With over 29 years of surgical excellence, Dr Amita Jain has built a reputation for precision, compassionate care, and advanced surgical techniques.
Dr Amita Jain has successfully performed a wide range of complex general surgeries, including both open and minimally invasive procedures, with a strong focus on trauma care, onco-surgical techniques, and reconstructive surgeries. Her areas of specialisation include (including Gallbladder stone removal, appendix removal, hernia repair surgery, piles and fissure surgeries). She was the Professor of Surgery at the Army College of Medical Sciences and Base Hospital, Delhi Cantt. In 1994, she was commissioned asa Surgeon under the United Nations Mission in Congo. From 2020 to 2022, she worked with Bansals Hospital. Currently, Dr Amita Jain is the Senior General and Laparoscopic Surgeon at Rainbow Children Hospitals (Malviya Nagar, Delhi), Artemis Lite: Multi-Speciality Care Hospital (New Friends Colony, New Delhi) and at Rosewalk – Luxury Maternity Hospital in Delhi (Panchsheel Park, Delhi)
Call Us at +(91) 882-6615301