Women of all ages may find that a tummy tuck is the right procedure to help them get the body they’ve longed for. In general, surgeons agree that this type of plastic surgery should wait until after a woman has children; however, it is not uncommon for some patients to become pregnant afterwards, planned or unplanned.

Below are three of the most frequently asked questions about pregnancy after undergoing the procedure:

Q: Is it safe to get pregnant after a tummy tuck?

A: Yes, it is completely safe to become pregnant after going through the procedure. Your body is designed to react as needed and will create the necessary space for a baby when you’re pregnant. Your health and the baby’s health will not be negatively affected because you’ve had plastic surgery.

Q: Will I need to get another tummy tuck after giving birth?

A: Just as every woman’s pregnancy is different, so is its impact on her body. Many women feel that the results of the procedure are “undone” as a result of being pregnant and giving birth, and therefore may opt to have a follow-up procedure. In most cases, even women who have had the surgery will have looser skin and less definition in their abdominal area. A mini procedure may get your body back in shape.

Q: Is there anything I can do to lessen the impact?

A: Women can strive to keep a healthy weight throughout pregnancy and avoid excessive weight gain. This can minimize the negative impact on the body, including the abdominal area, and potentially preserve some of the firmness in the tummy area.