Cause 7: Pregnancy and Childbirth
During pregnancy, the body undergoes numerous physiological changes to accommodate the growing fetus. One such change is the increase in intra-abdominal pressure. As the uterus expands, it pushes against surrounding organs and the diaphragm, particularly during the later stages of pregnancy. This increased pressure can strain an already vulnerable or weak hiatus, leading to a hiatal hernia.
The act of childbirth, particularly during the pushing phase, can exert immense pressure on the abdominal cavity and the diaphragm. For women with a predisposition to hiatal hernias or those who have experienced previous diaphragmatic injuries, this intense pressure can sometimes initiate or exacerbate a herniation. It’s a transient yet potent risk factor that, combined with other elements, can culminate in a hernia.
Post childbirth, the body undergoes a reverse transformation as it attempts to revert to its pre-pregnancy state. During this period, the shifting of organs back to their original position, combined with weakened abdominal muscles, can contribute to a heightened hernia risk. This is especially true if the muscles around the hiatus don’t regain their former strength, leaving an avenue for potential herniation.
The added weight gain during pregnancy, especially if excessive, compounds the risk. More weight means more intra-abdominal pressure. Moreover, if post-pregnancy weight is not addressed, the strain continues, perpetuating the hernia risk. Hence, postpartum weight management becomes crucial, not just for overall health but also in preventing or managing hiatal hernias.
Pregnancy and childbirth, while being nature’s miracles, can introduce specific physiological challenges. The pressures, both literal and metaphorical, that accompany this phase can predispose women to hiatal hernias. Recognizing this risk and adopting preventive measures during and post-pregnancy can go a long way in ensuring diaphragmatic health. (7)
