Planning pregnancy after incisional hernia repair can be concerning, given the knowledge that your body will change during pregnancy. And yes, these pregnancy physical changes may have an impact on the previously done incisional hernia repair site. So, it is essential to take the necessary precautions before attempting pregnancy after incisional hernia repair.
Informing your obstetrician or gynecologist about your history of incisional hernia is the first thing you must do while planning pregnancy after incisional hernia repair. Based on the advice and prescription from your obstetrician and hernia surgeon, proceed with your pregnancy plan.
In this article, we will discuss the common concerns about pregnancy after incisional hernia repair and the necessary initiatives to take for a healthy and safe pregnancy journey.
Planning for Pregnancy After Incisional Hernia Repair
While planning for pregnancy after incisional hernia repair, it is normal to get concerned about the abdomen stretches of pregnancy impacting the previous incisional hernia repair site.
Also, you may be worried about the mesh or sutures used in incisional hernia repair affecting the progress of your pregnancy or the development of the fetus.
These concerns must be taken into account as there is a possibility for the recurrence of the hernia because of the changes during pregnancy.
Understanding Incisional Hernia Repair
An incisional hernia repair refers to the repair done to an abdominal wall hernia that had occurred on the site of a previous surgical incision. Incisional hernias occur due to weak abdominal wall sites that have not completely closed or healed after surgical intervention.
As long as the hernia is small, asymptomatic, and bearable there is no risk for pregnancy. However, if the hernia becomes symptomatic and unmanageable, it may interfere with the health of the mother and child.
So with an incisional hernia repair history, it is advisable to plan appropriately with your healthcare provider and take precautionary steps before getting pregnant.
What are the Risks and Considerations?
The factors to consider in case of attempting pregnancy after incisional hiatal hernia include
- The type of hernia surgery undertaken: Open, laparoscopic, or robotic.
- Mode of sealing the weak spot: Mesh or suture
- The kind of mesh used: Synthetic or absorbable, etc.
- The location of the placed mesh
- Location and indication of the hernia during surgery
The risk of the previous incisional hernia repair during pregnancy depends upon these factors and so must be taken into serious consideration.
Monitoring and Managing a Pregnancy After Hernia Repair
The primary thing to do while attempting pregnancy after an incisional hernia repair is to inform the obstetrician about it. It will help monitor the pregnancy in light of preventing the past hernia repair from hindering the pregnancy’s development. Also, if there arises a need for cesarean section during childbirth, the knowledge of the mesh’s position and location will help the obstetrician plan the surgery accordingly.
Other factors to monitor to manage pregnancy after hernia repair include
- The quality of the hernia repair scar
- The condition of the abdominal wall tone
- The status of diabetes
- The state of BMI (Body Mass Index)
Lifestyle Adjustments and Preventive Measures
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If you are getting ready for pregnancy after incisional hernia repair, make some lifestyle initiatives after consulting with your obstetrician to prevent the recurrence of the hernia.
Some lifestyle adjustments to prevent incisional hernia recurrence include
- Incorporating a protein-rich diet to strengthen your abdominal muscles
- Regular moderate exercising to maintain a good abdominal wall tone
- Maintaining a healthy BMI
- Avoiding smoking and excess alcohol at all costs
- Having diabetes in control
What to Do if the Hernia Recurs During Pregnancy?
Large, discomforting, and symptomatic hernia would require surgery if predicted to harm the mother and child.
Undertaking hernia repair during pregnancy may be daunting. But with a timely medical intervention that also takes into consideration the kind of anesthesia to administer, the surgical option to go by, and other factors that will not harm your pregnancy, your hernia surgery and pregnancy journey will be successful.
In case of small, asymptomatic, and manageable hernia you can take up the hernia surgery after delivery of the baby. Laparoscopic surgery is opted for hernia repair done after childbirth.
Hernia repair done during pregnancy is usually done through open surgery to prevent hurting the fetus while operating.
Conclusion
Pregnancy after incisional hernia repair can be successful with proper medical attention and caution. Follow the advice of your obstetrician to prevent any adverse situation during pregnancy due to previous hernia repair.
Pregnancy after incisional hernia repair is nothing to be afraid of and can be successful with proper medical precautions and interventions.
To know if you can proceed with pregnancy after incisional hernia repair, contact a hernia specialist.
