Epigastric hernia? Should I worry?

[Lit Chick]

I have yet to be diagnosed (appointment is in 2 weeks) but I am pretty sure I have an epigastric hernia. It first showed up when I was heavily pregnant with my first - I asked one of my midwives and she said it was just a knee or elbow! I thought she was wrong, but it did seem to come and go and only hurt sometimes. (My current MW is more experienced though, and so am I.)

I noticed a sore spot in that area off and on since, but there was no more lump - now it's back. The bigger I get, the bigger it gets and the more I ache when lifting or sitting up certain ways. Nothing scary, just a dull soreness.

Since I had an HB fine with this 2 1/2 years ago, I am not overly concerned - but wondering if anyone had experiences with this.

[earthyamber]

{{Hugs}} I do not have an epigastric hernia, but I have a similar one (umbilical hernia). I got mine with my first pregnancy and again with my second. However, I am 12 weeks pregnant with my 3rd and I have been in pain since week 7! My pain is mostly extreme tenderness when anything touches my belly button or near it. However, I get shooting pain when I walk a lot of bend down wrong (put pressure on it). My doctor sent me for a surgical consult and the surgeon said pregnancy is not a time for surgery. I would have a slight risk of birth defects or miscarriage and as my belly swells, I would have a high risk of it ripping open and being much worse. So, I have to deal with the pain and I am scheduled to have surgery on it 6 weeks after I give birth. He said that some hernia's can get bad during pregnancy and cause extreme pain that immobilizes you, but it is rare. He said if it happens, go to the ER for emergency surgery.

[Wittyone]

have either of your providers recommended abdominal support measures? i've suggested modified belly binding to my ladies with abdominal separation and hernia issues. nothing overly tight, but snug enough to hold the rectus muscles together or closely approximated (the muscles going up and down the abdomen that generally meet in the middle when not pg). binding will provide support and should help keep the hernia from protruding as often or as much.

[gradstudentmommy]

Originally Posted by Lit Chick

I have yet to be diagnosed (appointment is in 2 weeks) but I am pretty sure I have an epigastric hernia. It first showed up when I was heavily pregnant with my first - I asked one of my midwives and she said it was just a knee or elbow! I thought she was wrong, but it did seem to come and go and only hurt sometimes. (My current MW is more experienced though, and so am I.)

I noticed a sore spot in that area off and on since, but there was no more lump - now it's back. The bigger I get, the bigger it gets and the more I ache when lifting or sitting up certain ways. Nothing scary, just a dull soreness.

Since I had an HB fine with this 2 1/2 years ago, I am not overly concerned - but wondering if anyone had experiences with this.

Lit Chick-I'm pretty sure I have one of these two and that I had it in my first pregnancy. I have an appointment this Wednesday. Did you get yours officially diagnosed? Are you treating it in any way?