Pregnancy After Umbilical Hernia Repair with Mesh
Yes, you can absolutely get pregnant after umbilical hernia repair with mesh—the mesh does not prevent pregnancy or harm fertility in any way. The mesh is placed in your abdominal wall to strengthen the repair and has no effect on your reproductive organs or ability to conceive 1, 2.
Key Points About Mesh and Pregnancy
Mesh Does Not Affect Fertility or Pregnancy Safety
- The surgical mesh used for umbilical hernia repair is placed in the layers of your abdominal wall, completely separate from your uterus, ovaries, and other reproductive organs 1, 2.
- Multiple studies document women who became pregnant after mesh hernia repair and had successful, uncomplicated pregnancies and deliveries 3, 1, 4.
- Women have safely carried pregnancies to term after mesh repair of umbilical hernias, with no adverse effects on the baby or pregnancy itself 1, 2.
What Happens to the Mesh During Pregnancy
- As your abdomen expands during pregnancy, the mesh stretches along with your abdominal wall tissues 2, 4.
- The mesh remains in place and continues to provide support to the repaired hernia site throughout pregnancy 1, 2.
- Most women with mesh repairs experience no complications during pregnancy related to the mesh 1.
Potential Considerations
- There is a risk of hernia recurrence during or after pregnancy due to the increased abdominal pressure, with recurrence rates of approximately 10-16% in women who become pregnant after repair 4.
- Mesh repair does not show a clear advantage over suture repair in preventing recurrence when pregnancy occurs after the repair, contrary to what is seen in the general population 4.
- In rare cases, if a mesh becomes infected during pregnancy (which is uncommon), it can be safely removed during pregnancy without harming the baby 3.
Timing Recommendations for Future Pregnancies
- If you are planning to become pregnant soon, some surgeons may recommend waiting to repair the hernia until after you complete your family, as pregnancy can cause recurrence regardless of repair type 5, 2.
- If you have already had mesh repair and want to become pregnant, there is no required waiting period—you can conceive whenever you and your doctor feel you are medically ready 1, 2.
- Elective hernia repair after childbirth can be performed as early as 8 weeks postpartum, though waiting up to 1 year allows for hormonal stabilization and return to normal body weight 2.
Delivery Considerations
- Women with previous mesh hernia repair can deliver vaginally or by cesarean section—the mesh does not dictate the mode of delivery 1.
- The decision about delivery method should be based on standard obstetric indications, not the presence of mesh 1, 2.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Do not assume the mesh needs to be removed before pregnancy—it does not 1, 2.
- Do not delay desired pregnancy out of fear that the mesh will cause problems—the evidence shows pregnancy is safe after mesh repair 1, 4.
- Be aware that pregnancy itself increases the risk of hernia recurrence regardless of whether mesh or sutures were used for the original repair 4.