Will my diastasis and umbilical hernia get much worse with another pregnancy? (photos)

Question

Would I even be able to carry another baby? And could my doctor close my stomach and repair my hernia immediately after childbirth? My goal is to get a mommy makeover. I have two children and still look pregnant after eight years. Thanks.

Mariam Awada, MD, FACS · Answer

I recommend deferring any tummy tuck procedure until you are certain you have completed child bearing and have returned to your pre-pregnancy weight.  No one can determine if your hernia will get worse or stay the same.  Regardless, find comfort in the fact that it is a correctable problem and a concern that can definatly be addressed.

Jeffrey A. Sweat, MD · Answer

Since you have already successfully carried 2 pregnancies, there is no reason to believe that you wouldn't be able to carry another.  Your umbilical hernia could get slightly worse but in all likelihood, unless you have a much heavier baby or twins, your diastasis is unlikely to worsen.  I would not recommend having your mommy makeover immediately after childbirth as the abdominal wall needs some time to regain its normal shape.  Best of luck!

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

The effects on the abdominal wall from pregnancy vary by person.  The abdominal wall can stretch and separate from the size of the baby as well as the weight gain.  It's best to wait until 6 months after childbirth before considering a Mommy Makeover.  Your umbilical hernia can be repaired at the same time.  From the submitted photo you appear to be a great candidate.  A tummy tuck will address excess fat and skin as well as correct abdominal wall laxity.

Johnny Chung, MD, FACS · Answer

You should have no problems carrying another child through pregnancy. You do have a significant diastasis recti and umbilical hernia. When you are finished having children, I recommend finding a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss the possibility of correcting the diastasis and hernia.  This can be done all in the same procedure.

Melinda Lirag Lacerna-Kimbrell, MD, FACS · Answer

You're diastasis could become more prominent with another pregnancy, but you should still be able to carry another child fine. However, an OB/GYN should give you the go ahead with family planning. Once you decide that you will no longer be having children is when I suggest a face-to-face consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon for a Mommy Makeover.Thank you for your question and for sharing your picture.Melinda Lacerna, MD FACS

Will my diastasis and umbilical hernia get much worse with another pregnancy? (photos)

Answers (5)

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