After much fobbing off I have now been diagnosed with an umbilical hernia at 38 wks. It is quite a large one but that's better apparently as then your bowel doesn't get caught in it? I wear a doubled over tuba-grip bandage over my entire belly to stop the pain (it's unbearable without) and I suck in my transverse muscles to stand, sit -do anything, and again that seems to minimize the 'stretching pain' I feel. My OB had no advice for me so I wondered if anyone out there had given birth with a hernia and if they used any splinting? I am planning a home birth in a pool using hypnobirthing (so hope to minimize the 'pushing' part) but any experiences (positive ones !) are welcome.