Surgical management and treatment strategies for hernias in pregnant women

Hernias during pregnancy present a clinical challenge due to anatomical and physiological changes that may influence symptom progression and treatment decisions, requiring a careful balance between maternal and fetal safety. This study aimed to analyze the main treatment strategies and surgical management options for hernias in pregnant women, as well as the circumstances in which surgical intervention can be safely indicated. An integrative literature review was conducted using studies published between 2016 and 2025, retrieved from the SciELO, Cochrane, and MEDLINE databases. The search employed Health Sciences Descriptors combined with Boolean operators to identify relevant evidence. The findings indicate that conservative management is the preferred approach for asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic hernias, while surgical intervention is reserved for cases involving complications such as incarceration, strangulation, or significant symptom progression. When surgery is required, timing, surgical technique, and multidisciplinary monitoring are critical factors in minimizing maternal and fetal risks. Overall, the evidence supports an individualized and evidence-based approach to the management of hernias during pregnancy, emphasizing careful clinical assessment and collaborative decision-making to optimize outcomes for both mother and fetus.