For life-threatening medical emergencies, call 911 without delay. For a mental health crisis, call or text 988 for free and confidential crisis support.
A postpartum tubal ligation is done to permanently prevent a woman from getting pregnant. During this procedure, the doctor makes a cut (incision) near the belly button (navel) rather than in the pubic area. This is because the uterus is enlarged from the pregnancy, and the fallopian tubes are located higher in the abdomen. The dotted line on the figure shows where the cut is made below the belly button. The dotted lines on the fallopian tubes show where they are closed.
Current as of:
April 18, 2023
Author: Healthwise Staff Clinical Review Board All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
Clinical Review Board All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
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