Hiatal hernia?

Question

I was dx w/one about a year ago and it realyl hasn't bothered me much until now! I am 5 weeks and 2 days pregnant and it is driving me nuts...it aches constantly!! I sit at a desk all day so I know the pressure i'm putting on my abdomen isn't helping...is it going to get worse as i get farther along? Will it cause any complications with my pregnancy?

Answer 1

How Are Hiatal Hernias Treated?
Most people do not experience any symptoms of their hiatal hernia so no treatment is necessary. However, the paraesophaeal hernia (when part of the stomach squeezes through the hiatus) can cause the stomach to be strangled so surgery is usually recommended. Other symptoms that may occur along with the hernia such as chest pain should be properly evaluated. Symptoms of GERD should be treated.

When Is Surgery Necessary?
If the hiatal hernia is in danger of becoming constricted or strangulated (so that the blood supply is cut off), surgery may be needed to reduce the hernia, meaning put it back where it belongs.

Hiatal hernia surgery can be performed as a laparoscopic, or "minimally invasive," procedure. During this type of surgery, five or six small (five to ten millimeter) incisions are made in the abdomen. The laparoscope and surgical instruments are inserted through these incisions. The surgeon is guided by the laparoscope, which transmits a picture of the internal organs to a monitor. The advantages of laparoscopic surgery include smaller incisions, less risk of infection, less pain and scarring, and a more rapid recovery.

Many patients are able to walk around the day after hernia surgery. Generally, there are no dietary restrictions and the patient can resume his or her regular activities within a week. Complete recovery will take two to three weeks, and hard labor and heavy lifting should be avoided for at least three months after surgery. Unfortunately, there is no guarantee, even with surgery, that the hernia will not return.

When Should I Call the Doctor?
If you have been diagnosed with a hiatal hernia and you develop severe pain in the chest or abdomen, become nauseated, are vomiting, or are unable to have a bowel movement or pass gas, you may have a strangulated hernia or an obstruction, which are medical emergencies. Call your doctor immediately.

Answer 2

Hiatal hernias occur more often in women, people who are overweight, and people older than 50. A hiatal hernia is a condition in which a small part of your stomach bulges through a hole in your diaphragm. This hole is called a hiatus. It’s a normal, anatomically correct opening that allows your esophagus to connect to your stomach.