Not showing in pregnancy after tummy tuck. Is this normal or not? (Photo)

Question

I had a tummy tuck 3-1/2 years ago, planning on no more children. Lo and behold, I'm now 27 weeks pregnant! However, I'm barely showing. And by barely, I mean I only have a bump when I lay down that looks more like I'm bloated than a baby bump. I've had my ultrasound, and baby is growing well. Is it normal to not show much in pregnancy after a tuck? With my other 3, I was definitely looking pregnant by now (a while ago actually!). Not complaining...just curious if it's typical.

Yily De Los Santos, MD · Answer

Your skin and muscles are thigter than before so you may no have a large abdomen size. If your ultrasound showed that your baby is ok the you should be worried about it but let your obstetric know about the TT you had before.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

It is possible that the repair may hide the pregnancy somewhat. However it is no hindrance to the progression of a normal pregnancy.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Pregnancy after a tummy tuckyes,  the muscles and skin were pulled tight so you may not show as much as your previous pregnancies.The important issue is the ultrasound and appearance of the fetus.

Adolfo Sesto, MD · Answer

Yes, is normal because your muscles have been tightened (plicated) during the Tummy Tuck procedure.Is very important for you to have a good following by your OG to verified you baby is growing well, and that is the important fact.Many women do not need a 2nd. Tummy Tuck after pregnancy just some revision of the scars.Congratulations and enjoy your pregnancy.

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD · Answer

Your abdomen will stretch with your pregnancy and there should be no problems.  Patients have had a normal pregnancy after a TRAM flap for breast reconstruction.

James McMahan, MD (retired) · Answer

Thank you for your question and photograph. I have had several patients have a tummy tuck and eventually have another child. Each of them have had the same experience that you are having. It took them longer to show and it was not as noticeable.  Fortunately their skin did well and they each had a flat stomach soon after the delivered. Good luck.

Robert E. Zaworski, MD (retired) · Answer

Make your  OBGYN aware that you have had a tummy tuck.  The tummy tuck is just going to come apart with the pregnancy, as if you never had the surgery.

Not showing in pregnancy after tummy tuck. Is this normal or not? (Photo)

Answers (7)

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