Hiatal Hernia in Pregnancy: Symptoms, Risks & Prenatal Care Guide

Pregnancy is a special journey, filled with excitement, new experiences, and also some health challenges. While morning sickness, back pain, and heartburn are common, some women may also hear about a condition called hiatal hernia during pregnancy.

Hearing the word “hernia” can sound scary, but don’t worry. A hiatal hernia is not uncommon, and with the right care, it can be managed safely. The important thing is to understand what it is, why it may happen in pregnancy, and how to keep yourself healthy if you have it.

What is a Hiatal Hernia?

To put it simply, a hiatal hernia happens when a part of your stomach moves up into your chest through a small opening in your diaphragm (the muscle between your chest and stomach).

There are two main hiatal hernia types:

• Sliding hernia: The more common one. The stomach and the food pipe (esophagus) slide up a little into the chest.
• Paraesophageal hernia: Less common, but more serious. Here, part of the stomach pushes up next to the food pipe.

Most of the time, a hiatal hernia is not life-threatening, but it can cause uncomfortable symptoms.

Can Pregnancy Cause Hiatal Hernia?

Yes, pregnancy can increase the chances of having a hiatal hernia. Here’s why:

• As the baby grows, your uterus puts pressure on your stomach.
• Hormonal changes during pregnancy relax your muscles, including the one that keeps the stomach in place.
• If you already had a small hernia earlier, pregnancy can make it worse.

So, pregnancy itself doesn’t always cause it, but the changes in your body during these nine months can bring it out or make it more noticeable.

Symptoms of Hiatal Hernia During Pregnancy

The tricky part is that hiatal hernia symptoms often look very similar to normal pregnancy problems like heartburn. Still, there are signs you can watch for:

• Burning feeling in the chest (acid reflux or heartburn)
• Pain or discomfort in the upper stomach or chest, especially after meals
• Sour taste in the mouth or food coming back up
• Trouble swallowing or feeling like food is stuck
• Feeling full quickly, even after small meals
• Shortness of breath when lying down

If these symptoms are troubling you often, don’t ignore them. Share them with your doctor or a hiatal hernia specialist so you get the right advice.

Risks of Hiatal Hernia in Pregnancy

The good news is that most women with a hiatal hernia during pregnancy have healthy babies. But it can bring challenges, including:

• Severe reflux: This can make eating uncomfortable and may affect nutrition.
• Rare complications: In uncommon cases, the stomach can get trapped or twisted.
• Pain and discomfort: These can make it hard to sleep well.

How is Hiatal Hernia Diagnosed?

To understand the exact cause of your problems, your doctor may recommend a few tests, such as:

• X-ray with barium swallow: You drink a liquid that shows the hernia clearly on the scan.
• Endoscopy: A thin tube with a small camera is used to look inside your food pipe.

During pregnancy, doctors often avoid too many tests unless they are really needed. Most of the time, they rely on your symptoms and medical history to keep things safe for you and your baby.

Treatment Options for Hiatal Hernia

The treatment depends on how severe your symptoms are. In most cases, especially during pregnancy, lifestyle changes are the first step.

1. Lifestyle and Diet Care

• Eat small meals more often instead of heavy meals.
• Avoid spicy, oily, or fried food. These can trigger reflux.
• Try to avoid lying down immediately after eating. Sit upright for at least 30 minutes.
• Raise your head while sleeping (use extra pillows).
• Include more light, nutritious foods in your hiatal hernia diet.

2. Medications

If lifestyle changes are not enough, your doctor may suggest safe medicines to control acid. Always take them only after your gynecologist approves.

3. Surgery

Hiatal hernia surgery is rarely done during pregnancy. It’s only considered if the hernia causes serious problems. Usually, surgery is delayed until after delivery. If surgery is needed later, your doctor will guide you about recovery and life after hiatal hernia surgery.

Prenatal Care and Support

Living with a hiatal hernia while being pregnant can feel stressful, but remember—you are not alone. Many women go through it and manage well with the right care. Here are a few tips:

• Keep all your doctor’s appointments and discuss your symptoms openly.
• Do gentle exercises (with the doctor’s approval) to keep digestion healthy.
• Avoid smoking or alcohol, as they worsen reflux and are unsafe in pregnancy. 
• Ask a family member to help with meals or housework on days when you feel tired.

Final Thoughts

A hiatal hernia during pregnancy may bring discomfort, but it is usually manageable with small lifestyle changes, the right diet, and regular check-ups. The important thing is not to panic. Talk openly with your doctor, follow safe remedies, and take good care of yourself.

Pregnancy is a journey of care and love—for your baby and for yourself. By understanding conditions like hiatal hernia in simple terms, you can feel more in control and more confident every step of the way.

FAQs

Is a hiatal hernia dangerous?

Most hiatal hernias are not dangerous, but severe cases may cause complications if untreated.

Can hiatal hernia be cured?

It can be managed with lifestyle changes and medicines; surgery is the only permanent cure if needed.

Can hiatal hernia affect pregnancy?

Usually, it affects the mother’s comfort more than the baby’s health.

Can hiatal hernia cause complications during delivery?

Rarely—it may cause more reflux or discomfort, but it does not usually interfere with normal delivery.

What foods should pregnant women avoid with hiatal hernia?

Avoid spicy, oily, fried, and acidic foods, as they can worsen heartburn and reflux.

Does hiatal hernia go away after pregnancy?

Sometimes symptoms improve after delivery, but the hernia itself usually does not disappear without treatment.