Hernia, or the baby?

[cfc09]

Right at the top of my belly button, sometimes there is a bulge. At times it hurts, other times it does not. And it's not there all the time.. but I do notice it most when I stand up (feels like a pea), and when I lay on my back. When lying down, it seems to change appearance, sometimes a little longer and it isn't hard like other times.When I sit up it seems to go away. I was wondering is this pretty normal? Is it the baby's hand/foot/etc. or a hernia, even?

[Kuba'sMama]

Hi;
My very good friend had a hernia in pregnancy. Her midwives chose not to treat it, just monitored it. It went back in after delivery, but she does say she's a bit sore at the belly button.
Hers looked like a ridiculously large outie. It was an about 2 inches diameter bulge. Ask your provider about it if you're worried (as with anything).

[tngirl11]

It does sound like an umbilical hernia. I have one. It mostly only pops up when I'm sitting back up after lying down. It is always a little sore in that spot, though. My midwife didn't seem to think it was a big deal. I have a big separation down the middle of my abs from my twin pregnancy, and I guess it kind of comes with the territory. Doing pilates keeps it all in check when I'm not pregnant.

[finn'smama]

I have this too, and my mws also don't seem concerned. It hurts occasionally though and I'm worried about what it will be like after baby. I didn't have this with previous pregnancies.

[MyFillingQuiver]

I had an inguinal hernia with my 3rd pregnancy. It's hard to tell if what you are experiencing might be a hernia, since mine was in a different location.

Mine was just above my pubic bone, to the left, and would bulge down to my labia. I discovered it (and had much pain) when I was about 9 weeks pregnant. I had birthed a baby just a few months before that pregnancy, and I had carried him very low and engaged in my pelvis for some time..I think that had something to do with it.

Anyway, my OB and a surgeon both thought it was important to have it dealt with, as it was likely going to cause major problems with the pregnancy. I had laparoscopic surgery at 15 weeks, and it's kind of cool..I have a picture of my enlarged uterus from the surgery! It was repaired, and he inspected all the other lower inguinal areas and applied more reinforcement in any weak areas...so it worked great. The recovery was pretty easy, and I was glad to have it taken care of.

However, if it isn't causing major issues, it's definitely wise to weigh waiting it out!

Blessings!

[cfc09]

When I lay on my side, it looks normal and can't even feel the "pea" knot.
My mother says this is just a part of pregnancy and does not think it is a hernia, but everything I've researched and after reading your responses, I'm wondering.

I'm definitely going to ask my doctor on Friday. If it is a small hernia, if/when I get it repaired, will I HAVE to be put to sleep? I'm terrified of even the thought of being put to sleep! As well as c-sections, lol. I just read somewhere that natural birth could worsen a hernia. eeeek.

[MyFillingQuiver]

Well, from my understanding, pregnancy and birth can worsen or bring on a hernia. My 2nd baby was born naturally, and had a head of 14 3/4. He was caught on my pubic bone just a bit, and yet I pushed him out in about 15 minutes. Aside from this, my lower abdominal pain and pressure was great the last 6 weeks of that pregnancy, because he was so low with that big ole' head.

Then, I got pregnant again about 4 months later. I am sure the two are connected. However, some people are also predisposed to them. When I was a child I had a hernia repair. It was a lower umbilicus-so clearly, I had weak intestinal walls! I've had several other babies since, and no issues.

As far as being put to sleep, I understand! However, I find spinal/epidural surgeries (such as with my 2 c-sections) far worse! It's because I have to be awake and feel things and hear things and know exactly what they are doing. I'd rather be out! I know it's a preference, though. I'm not sure how surgeons choose to do them. For mine I was put to sleep in the early 2nd trimester with the safest anesthesia they could use, at the safest point in pregnancy for surgery. I had continuous monitoring before during and after, and it went fine. It was very scary, though! I had just three tiny incisions and healing was a breeze. However, when I was a child and had it done, it was a 3" incision into my abdomen, and very painful...I really don't think they are done that way anymore!

Blessings and keep us posted please. I hope it's a non-issue for you!

[cfc09]

http://i39.tinypic.com/24yx1tf.jpg

There's what I'm talking about. See when I'm just sitting it seems rather normal.

[cfc09]

anyone? :s