Umbilical Hernia During Pregnancy: Causes, Symptoms & What to Expect

Question
Hello,  My wife has a lump right above her belly button.  We have no idea what it could be.  She is 20 weeks pregenant.  She is a waitress.  It hurts her sometimes.  I was just wanting some ideas of what it could be before we go to the doctor.  Thank you..........Justin Grove

Answer
Dear Justin,

This may be what is called an umbilical hernia. It is not uncommon for pregnancy to bring attention to a previously undetected umbilical hernia.

A hernia is an abnormal defect in the abdominal wall through which tissue or intestines may protrude. Typically, a hernia will present itself as a soft bulge underneath the skin, which may or may not be associated with pain or discomfort. A hernia that occurs in the belly-button area is called an umbilical hernia.

Occasionally, a loop of intestine that may protrude through a hernia can become stuck, and is no longer reducible - meaning that the intestinal loop cannot be gently pushed back into the abdominal cavity. When this happens, that section of intestine may lose its blood supply. This is call a strangulation and would require urgent surgery.

For many pregnant women, umbilical hernias will reduce themselves after the pregnancy and require no treatment. However, if this is causing your wife pain at 20 weeks, she definitely needs to be examined and assessed to determine whether this is the cause of her pain and if it will require treatment to avoid further problems.

I hope this has helped you and answered your question. I wish you well.

Brenda