Does an umbilical hernia require a Caesarean section?

An umbilical hernia in pregnancy does not necessarily mean that a Caesarean section must be performed. It is also possible to give birth to a child with umbilical hernia in a natural way. Newer procedures combine a Caesarean section with the treatment of the umbilical hernia.

The advantage is that only one intervention is required. This procedure is not yet standard in Germany. However, the severity of the umbilical hernia and possible risk factors must be assessed individually for each pregnant woman before the decision on the mode of birth can be made. Therefore only the treating gynecologist can give a well-founded recommendation.

Prognosis

After surgical correction of an umbilical hernia after pregnancy, the prognosis is usually very good. If the suture method is carried out correctly, the possibility of another umbilical hernia at the same place is almost excluded. Even if the umbilical hernia is treated with plastic mesh or patch, the risk of recurrence is negligible.

Causes

The cause of an umbilical hernia is always a weak point in the abdominal wall, the formation or enlargement of which is favored by increased abdominal pressure. Especially during pregnancy umbilical hernias can be observed quite frequently. Furthermore, many women also suffer from an umbilical hernia after pregnancy.

In most cases, the strong stretching of the abdominal wall and the resulting divergence of the abdominal muscles is the actual reason for umbilical hernias during and after pregnancy. In this way, the abdominal wall becomes thinner and weaker. The individual muscle fibers no longer lie so close together and weak points through which intestinal sections can emerge.

An umbilical hernia, which occurs during or after pregnancy, is usually completely harmless and does not cause most women any discomfort. If the umbilical hernia already occurs before birth, the birth of the child is not hindered in any way. There is no increased danger for mother and child.

How can you prevent an umbilical hernia during pregnancy?

An umbilical hernia is promoted by a weakness in the abdominal wall. For prevention it is therefore recommended

To aim for a normal weight,
No heavy loads to lift,
Strengthen the abdominal muscles even before pregnancy through sports and specific exercises.