How to Treat a Postpartum Hernia
May 24, 2022
After giving birth, some women can get a hernia. This occurs when one of the internal organs bulges through a weak area of muscle or tissue, most often in the abdominal cavity.
According to Yves-Richard Dole, M.D., a board certified obstetrician-gynecologist with Metropolitan OB-GYN, an experienced team of physicians affiliated with The Family Childbirth and Children's Center at Mercy, hernia is quite common postpartum.
"The most important thing to look out for is any pain, tenderness or swelling of the labia. I say labia because the hernia can be in the belly button area or in the groin," Dole said. "Pain, tenderness and discoloration is a sign of an emergency where someone should present to the emergency room right away.
Laparoscopic surgery is an option for repairing some hernias. After surgery, women are restricted on how much weight they can lift.
About Mercy
Founded in 1874 in Downtown Baltimore by the Sisters of Mercy, Mercy Medical Center is a 183-licensed bed, acute care, university-affiliated teaching hospital. Mercy has been recognized as a high-performing Maryland hospital (U.S. News & World Report); has achieved an overall 5-Star quality, safety, and patient experience rating (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services); is A-rated for Hospital Safety (Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade); and is certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center as a Magnet™ hospital. Mercy Health Services is a not-for-profit health system and the parent company of Mercy Medical Center and Mercy Personal Physicians.
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