How are hernia and pregnancy related?

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Great question. During pregnancy, the weight of the fetus puts pressure on the groin area. If one has a week abdominal muscle wall, a hernia can occur (a hernia is when the muscle wall is weakened and the intestines or organs which are usually held in by the muscle, push through causing a protrusion). The most common hernia with pregnancy is an inguinal hernia which protrudes in the groin area. During my pregnancy I developed an inguinal hernia and the result was very uncomfortable. I could not walk comfortably with out pushing on the hernia to give it support, nor could I lift my other children without extreme pain. I was very fit and athletic and did not gain a huge amount of weight, it was just that my groin area muscle wall perhaps separated or was weak ( my mother also has hernais so perhaps muscle wall weakness is genetic). Wearing support, like the Babybellyband, helps not only lessen the damage of a hernia, but relieve the discomfort and allow a woman to lead a normal, active life: working, walking, carrying other children, without so much pain. After I birthed my child, the hernia disappeared. This often happens although in more extreme cases, the hernia must be repaired after pregnancy. I hope this answers your question. By the way, I love the video of the act from Wicked, I am hoping to see the performance!!
If you have any other questions please feel free to call or email me. The contact information is on the website www.babybellyband.com
Caroline