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How Do I Know if I've Developed a Post Pregnancy Hernia?

I had a baby 9 weeks ago. My abs felt like they had a split. I spoke to my OB and they determined it to be so. I'm wondering what the best way to repair is. Also noticing my belly button feels incredibly different/thick, as if there is an additional piece inside. If I press it, there's a noise (squishing sound).

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6 Doctor Answers | Asked by val b

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Post Pregnancy Hernia Repair

Based on your description it sounds like you may have a developed an umbilical hernia following you pregnancy which is not unusual. You should give your tummy more time to recover from the effects of pregnancy, but if this doesn't change or worsens, you may need to have it repaired. If your abdominal muscles are widely separated - a condition called rectus diastasis - then you might wish to have this repaired as well. The umbilical hernia can usually be repaired through an incision at... more

Post pregnancy "hernia"??????

It seems that what you are describing is a condition we refer to as a "rectus diastasis". This is a technical term for a condition in which the central muscles of the abdomen have separated in the midline. It is not a hernia. Although umbilical (belly button) hernias can ocur with a certain amount of frequency in post-partum abdomens. The squishing sound when you press on the belly button could very well represent that umbilical hernia. In any case, the hernia could be repaired... more

Belly button hernia and muscles stretched after pregnancy

It is usually good to wait about three months post-pregnacy to consider surgery to fix your tummy. From what you describe it sounds like you have either an umbilical hernia, diastasis recti, or both. both of these can be fixed during a tummy tuck if that is what you choose. Obviously, if the belly button is hurting you, go see your doctor right away to may sure that nothing serious is going on. Otherwise, see two or more board-certified plastic surgeons in your area for a full and... more

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Belly button

The squishy feel of your belly button that you describe sounds pretty typical of an umbilical hernia. The description of your muscles feeling split could either be stretching of the muscles or a true hernia. It's a little early since your c-section to undergo a tummy tuck. You might want to have a consult with a plastic surgeon. Also, are you planning to have more children? If so you would want to wait until after you are done having children before... more

Post-Pregnancy Tummy Muscle Separation and possible Umbilical Hernia

Your condition is not uncommon. Ultimately the treatment will be a surgical repair. Unless the umbilical hernia poses a risk, based on a general surgeon's examination, I would wait until you are sure this was your last pregnancy. At that time a Full Abdominopasty will correct all muscle flabbiness, an umbilical Hernan and remove all excess tummy skin.

Peter A. Aldea, MD

35 reviews

Memphis Plastic Surgeon

Umbilical Hernia?

Thank you for the question. Based on your description sounds like you have an umbilical hernia. It sounds like your OB/GYN has confirmed it as well. Umbilical hernia repair can be done as a outpatient procedure; and can also be done while undergoing a tummy tuck procedure if this fits in your plans. The tummy tuck procedure is best done when you have completed having pregnancies and have reached a long-term stable weight. Best wishes. see video

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