Causes/Risk Factors of Postpartum Hernia
This physical change mostly occurs after pregnancy and it can affect anybody. However, there are different factors that increase the chance of postpartum hernia, such as:
- Excess intra-abdominal pressure: this condition is caused by the presence of too much pressure inside the pelvis [3] or abdomen. There is a natural weakness at the pelvis, the extra pressure causes the belly to expand and making it easy for an organ to push through.
- Overweight/obesity: being overweight during and after pregnancy is a major cause of this medical condition.
- Multiple gestation pregnancies: the risk of postpartum hernia is increased in a woman with multiple fetus such as twins and triplets.
- Multiple pregnancies: having multiple pregnancies with little or no time difference increases the pressure in the abdomen and therefore causing weakness.
- Abdominal surgery: a surgical process in the abdominal cavity of the body may also increase the risk of this health problem.
- C-section: undergoing a caesarian section for delivery of a baby also increases the risk of hernia along the area of incision. The hernia may occur if the openings made during the process don’t heal fast and if too much pressure is applied to the area.
- Persistent cough/cold.
- Excess fluid in the abdomen.