Should umbilical hernia & diastasis recti repair be done at the same time if I might have another child? (Photos)

Question

I have a one year old and have slight diastasis recti- about 2 fingers width the best I can tell. I also have a VERY noticeable umbilical hernia. I have tried to wait out getting my belly button fixed but I'm not sure if/when I might have another baby and have decided to get hernia fixed in the next few months by a general surgeon. My questions are: should I get my diastasis recti fixed at the same time? Is it a mistake to fix my diastasis recti now if I might be having another baby someday? Thank you!!

Austin Hayes, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question. I would wait to have diastasis recti fixed. If you're planning to have children, another pregnancy would restretch her abdomen and stretch the repair. You may desire a revision the future.It's reasonable to have your umbilical hernia fixed at any time.

Shirin Towfigh, MD · Answer

I don't recommend having umbilical hernias repaired until after you're done with all pregnancies. Otherwise, there is a small risk that it may recur or cause pain during your pregnancy. The only exception is if you have a lot of pain from the hernia.

Besides, the best repair is one which includes the diastasis repair.

My specialty is hernias, so I'm very particular about timing of them to make sure you have the best outcome

Isaac Starker, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Since you are planning on getting pregnant again I don't think that it would be wise to have the diastasis repaired before then.  It makes sense to have a general surgeon repair your umbilical hernia but it would make sense to inform him or her that you are planning on an additional pregnancy and after that an abdominoplasty, which will include repair of your diastasis.  The incision for the hernia repair should be fairly small, and although it doesn't look like you have a lot of excess abdominal skin now, the scar might be removed as part of an eventual tummy tuck.  Your general surgeon might even have a relationship with a board certified plastic surgeon that could be recommended to you so that all of your care over the next few years might be coordinated.

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

and then consider having your diastasis repaired with a tummy tuck when you are done having children.  If your belly button is not a nice one, consider giving it up and having a reconstruction of a dimple later when you have your tummy tuck.  It makes the diastasis repair easier and your tummy tuck a little safer.

H. Daniel Zegzula, MD · Answer

Most surgeons will recommend waiting to have your diastasis repaired until you are sure you are done having children.  No use going through that procedure if a pregnancy is likely to undo the repair.  Your belly button hernia can be repaired at anytime but it might also come back during pregnancy.  Those darn children ;)

Should umbilical hernia & diastasis recti repair be done at the same time if I might have another child? (Photos)

Answers (7)

Answer: Get your umbilical hernia fixed now

Answer: Get your umbilical hernia fixed now

Answer: Umbilical hernia and diastasis repair.

Answer: Umbilical hernia and diastasis repair.

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Everything you need to know about Diastasis Recti Repair

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Should umbilical hernia & diastasis recti repair be done at the same time if I might have another child? (Photos)

Answers (7)

Answer: Get your umbilical hernia fixed now

Answer: Get your umbilical hernia fixed now

Answer: Umbilical hernia and diastasis repair.

Answer: Umbilical hernia and diastasis repair.

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Diastasis Recti Repair

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.