Umbilical Hernia & Abdominal Separation: Causes, Treatment & Recovery

Question
I gave birth 2 years ago and still have abdominal separation which seems to go from my belly button to my sternum. It seems to still be about a hand's width, as that's how wide the bulge is when i exert force from that area. The hernia constantly pops out and hurts and even when i push it back in it comes back out as soon as I stand up. I have surgery booked in 3 months' time to repair the hernia....but should I have my abdominal wall repaired? Should this be done after I have finished having children or before next pregnancy? Thanks very much.

Answer
Most doctors will want to wait to repair both an umbilical hernia and abdominal separation until a women is done having children. But in your case, your hernia is causing you problems now, so it's a good idea to get the surgery. In rare instances, herniated tissue can get stuck in the opening and blood supply can be restricted or completely cut off. This complication requires immediate emergency surgery.

If at any time tissue gets stuck in your umbilical opening, you can't push it back in, or becomes red and inflamed, or you develop a fever, see your OBGYN asap.

Yes, you should definitely get your diastasis repaired at the same time. A hand's width is very wide and is most likely contributing to your hernia problem. Discuss diastasis repair with your doctor before the surgery. Some insurance companies will not want to cover this part (it's only several stitches across your mid line which brings the right and left sides of the Rectus Abdominis closer together) but in your case, it's part of the hernia problem and needs to be fixed at the same time.

Since your hernia pops out all the time and is painful, you might want to wear a postpartum belly wrap. It's kind of like a corset, most have a velcro closure, that holds the abdomen in. Generally I don't suggest these types of wraps, because in the long term they can cause functional imbalances in the four layers of abdominal musculature, but in your case, it might keep your hernia from popping out. If you get one, make sure that it is one that you can close on the side, rather than down the front. A front closure might cause more irritation to your hernia and mid line.