Umbilical Hernia during pregnancy?

Question

I had an umbilical hernia during my last pregnancy and my OB told me at my post partum check it didn't require surgery. Well during my current pregnancy it has become worse. My midwife has been keeping a close eye on it so no complications arise such as strangled intestines which would require emergency surgery while I'm pregnant. I need to have surgery to correct it and will have that and my tubes tied before I leave the hospital after the baby is born (within 12-24 hours of the birth). I HAVE asked my midwife about rcovery times and what to expect but she doesn't really know. I WILL ask the surgeon when I meet with him but thats not until Sept (exactly 1 month before my due date). I need to prepare who is going to help with my other kids and housework while I recuperate.
Has anyone had this surgery before? How long until I can drive again? How much weight will I be able to lift and how long until I can get back to my regular activities?
Thanks!

This is what I was talking about when I said strangulation as my hernia (NOT one in baby but in me the mom) is quite large now.

Developing a hernia may result in serious medical complications when organ tissues or intestines are trapped. In medical term, this complication is called incarceration. The human organ tissues such as the intestine may have their blood supply cut off, leading to severe damage or even death of the tissue. When incarceration happens, a hernia surgery is required to repair the damage. If immediate surgery is not undertaken to correct incarceration, it could be potentially fatal.

Answer 1

If you get any good answers plz let me know, I've been suffering with one as well and can not get any good information on it.
Thanks.

Answer 2

UMBILICALAt The NORTH PENN HERNIA INSTITUTE, our Surgical Staff is now fully trained to repair these hernias effectively in a TENSION FREE fashion, most often as a "One Day" procedure. This contemporary surgical technique is usually performed with mild sedation and local anesthesia, thus avoiding the risks of General Anesthesia. In Umbilical Hernias in adults, especially large and recurrent Umbilical Hernias, a Mesh is utilized to created a 'Tension Free' repair. The mesh is carefully opened "BELOW" (never on over) the defect, extending somewhat beyond the under edges of the hernia 'hole' itself. This immediately, safely and securely repairs the hernia. In addition, the mesh acts as a bridge or scaffolding for in-growth of new tissue to broadly support the abdominal wall muscle. In the process, the mesh safely becomes incorporated into the muscle layer. No muscle is cut, nor is it ever sutured together to create unnecessary or unwanted TENSION. The surgical mesh utilized for hernia repair is extremely thin and very flexible. Therefore it is undetectable to the patient both during normal day to day activity as well as during more aggressive physical and recreational activity. However, it is strong enough to fully and effectively repair the hernia such that our patients are fully able to resume NORMAL ACTIVITY without undue concern for recurrence. Plastic Surgery skin closure techniques are always utilized on Umbilical Hernias as it is in all of our hernia incisions. The desired cosmetic concave appearance of the umbilicus or navel returns to normal after surgery and the navel is NOT removed nor altered. Patients are discharged on the same day as surgery. Return to NORMAL ACTIVITY in Days!!

Answer 3

an umblical hernia will not cause strangulated intestines and usually heals within 6 months