Umbilical hernia and a 2nd pregnancy

[mubbybeck]

I found out after I gave birth to my son two years ago that I had an umbilical hernia. I'd like to know how other mums have managed with an umbilical hernia and getting pregnant/giving birth again. My husband and I are now thinking about trying to conceive again soon but I'm very worried about how my hernia will cope with it. I am VERY VERY VERY scared of ANY surgery and would rather live with what I've got than have it mended. To be honest I don't get much bother from it, only occassionally some mornings if I haven't 'been to the toilet' yet ;) But if I have another baby will it worsen to the point that I'll need surgery? I don't know what to do. I don't know whether to put my health first but then it's my dream to have another baby plus I don't want my son to be an only child.

Hi.
I don't really have an answer for you other then that I think you need to discuss it with your GP.
I have an umbilical hernia that I noticed in my 2nd pregnancy. Doctor didn't seem concerned about it though. Sadly I lost the baby and haven't tried again. I don't think it was due to the hernia though. I think this types of hernias are very common and as long as they are soft and can be pushed in it is normal fine.
Also think hernias repair are pretty much straight forward and often done as a day case.

I had twins in 1993, and a hernia appeared close to my belly-button a couple of years ago. I am convinced that it was as a result of the pg (the muscles split down the middle of my belly & never repaired properly).

Anyway, I lived with it for 18months but got fed up of not being able to lift things/stretch properly/throw things(!) etc so had the op last year. It was fine. Took me 4 or 5 months to get over it fully but I am glad I had it done.

I would suggest you wear spanks or similar to support your belly now, and after the op if you have it.

Why don't you want to have the op? Suggest you talk it over with your GP. I had a fantastic surgeon who answered all my questions/fears. I went in at 9am & was home by 5pm, was put under which wasn't unpleasant at all, although I had been very worried about the prospect.

HTH

Thanks for your replies.

MirandaGoshawk - I worry about the idea of any operation. I can sense my eyes wanting to well up just thinking about it while I sit here now. It's the thought of being in a hospital, being cut open and not waking up afterwards. I know this probably sounds morbid to a lot of you but I can only think why put myself through it if I might die.

catx2 - "I think this types of hernias are very common and as long as they are soft and can be pushed in it is normal fine." - this is very reassuring and I hope you're right! My dad says he has one and just lives with it. He doesn't have a tummy that has to grow and stretch though does he!

Yes I had wondered about seeing a GP but I guess I'm scared of what they might say. Part of me wonders that I should get pregnant first then find out because then here's no going back, I have to have the baby and deal with whatever happens!

The only surgery I'd be 'happy' to have is a c-section (and even then that petrifies me!) if it was to keep the baby safe, anything else is something I'd want to steer clear of.