Hernia?

[ismarah]

39w FTM, have Ehlers Danlos syndrome.

So far my belly has been perfectly fine, no stretchmarks even and my belly button is still (barely) an innie.

Except now there's a weird squidgy bit just above / slightly around the belly button that feels like there's a very small rolled up sausage under the skin.

Could this be a hernia? If so, does it matter at this late a stage? If it's not a hernia, is it normal? If it's not a hernia is it something else to be worried about? Any ideas?

Could be, but it could also be a diverification or a diastasis. The midwife will know the difference.

The abdominal muscles separate as your stomach expands (diverification), sometimes the membrane between the muscle splits (diastasis). It's nothing to worry about exactly, but it's worth taking measures to avoid it getting worse.

Avoid anything that makes your tummy bulge or 'dome' at that area. The most common thing is sitting up in bed, so roll onto your side and sit up using your arms. Also, pull your tummy in before you do anything strenuous like lifting, pushing, pulling etc.

Wearing some bump support (like maternity spanx or tubigrip) is good during the day too.

Once you've had the baby, get checked for a hernia. If it's just a separation it will probably resolve spontaneously in the first 6 weeks. If not, see a Physio and learn some exercises to bring the separation back together.

Aha! Thank you - I shall keep an eye on it.

I have EDS. Had a hernia with child no2
Good news, no stretch marks either far too much collagen. (Nice stretchy skin)
Hernia was fine. Repaired after delivery ( didn't effect children 3 &4)

Thanks Chickydoo - baby will arrive on Monday so I should know soon what is going on and if it will need dealing with.