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How Can Stomach Be Reduced After Childbirth?

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Posted on Wed, 5 Mar 2014
Question: Hi, I gave birth to my son 5 months ago (C Section). My tummy was huge as my son weighed 4 kg at the time of birth. After delivery I was still looking pregnant of 5 months as my tummy was sagging and very big like a balloon. Doctors suggested some exercises like push up, crunching etc. I was doing it for 3 weeks and noticed my tummy started increasing more and more. I consulted the doctors again and got advised to follow the same set of exercises. I wasn't convinced, then learnt from internet that i have got "DIASTASIS RECTI" which is abdominal muscle separation. I confirmed it by self testing found in internet. My local doctors doesn't understand what i try to explain. Can someone please advise me what should I do now to reduce my tummy to my pre-preg tummy size??? Plsssss..I definitely cant live with this pregnant look for my whole life.. :-(
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. ARIF N K (48 minutes later)
Brief Answer: Abdominoplasty is last resort. Detailed Answer: Hi XXXXXXX Thank you for choosing Healthcaremagic. I have analyzed your history. Sagging of abdomen after caesarean or delivery is common. Sometimes it takes even upto 6 to 12 months to regain your normal abdominal contour. Regarding diverication of recti is rare after caesarean, as it is usually done in the lower abdomen, without disturbing the main rectus muscle. Diverication is seen in patients who have undergone multiple abdominal surgeries. What I advise you is diet modification and good abdominal exercises. You can even try yoga, naturotherapy for the same. Last resort will be Abdominoplasty, this is a major operation. It is also known as tummy tuck. I usually advise this only after they have tried all methods and in-vain. This operation is recommended once the person has completed her family. I advise you to get evaluated by your obgy specialist and confirm if you have any diverication of recti. Also do good abdominal exercises, avoid fatty foods, you can even meet a dietician. Try all the other alternative methods. Along with this I usually give my post partum patients abdominal binder i.e Abdogrip. They are abdominal straps, it will give temporary relief. Please ask if you have more questions. If you are satisfied, please make sure that your ACCEPT my answer so that I receive credit. Good luck!!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. ARIF N K (24 minutes later)
Hello Doctor, Thanks a lot for your answer! My tummy is not only sagging, if i keep pressing it it is going inside around 10cm like a balloon. I have found some method of testing it if i have diverication of recti, so i am thinking i have diverication of recti. Can this happen while carrying a huge baby? What is the solution if i have diverication of recti? Are there any special exercises for this? If i have to consult any doctors in person should i consult a Gyno or physio? Yes, I have started following a good diet now. Thank you very much. -XXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. ARIF N K (8 hours later)
Brief Answer: Only exercise is the answer. Detailed Answer: Hi XXXXXXX I apologize for the late response; I was away from my computer due to unavoidable reasons. I can understand your concerns. I agree with you that there might be some amount of diverication of recti. But most diverications become normal once you start doing proper exercises. Coming back to your question, Can this happen while carrying a huge baby? Yes it can happen, during pregnancy due to hormonal changes the connective tissue of abdomen changes, it may relax all the muscles. So most of the times diverication is seen, one of the risk factor is carrying big baby. What is the solution if i have diverication of recti? Presently only exercise, as surgery is the last resort. Are there any special exercises for this? I have got the exercise tips recommended by National Health Services (UK) they are: ----lie on your back on a mat, bed or on the floor with your knees bent up without a pillow • cross your arms and place each hand either side of your abdomen (tummy) • take a deep breath in and as you breathe out lift your head towards your chest and lift your shoulders three inches off the mat/bed. Use your hands to squeeze your abdominal (tummy) muscles together and across your body. • slowly lower your head and shoulders back to the mat/bed and relax your hands. In conjunction with this exercise please ensure: • you are maintaining a good posture to improve your back strength • practice core stability exercises (see separate leaflet) • maintain good back care at all times • support your abdomen with your hands when coughing or sneezing. Please ask if you have more questions. If you are satisfied, please make sure that your ACCEPT my answer so that I receive credit. Good luck!!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. ARIF N K (1 hour later)
Thank you for the clear answer Doctor! Thanks again? By sending thanks message I have lost that rating option, please just reply to this msg to enable that option again..sorry for the inconvenience.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. ARIF N K (9 hours later)
Brief Answer: Thank you and all the best. Detailed Answer: HI XXXXXXX I am glad that you are satisfied with my answer. Thank you for choosing Healthcaremagic. Take care and feel free to ask for clarifications. All the best.
Note: Revert back with your gynae reports to get a clear medical analysis by our expert Gynecologic Oncologist. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr. ARIF N K

OB & GYN Specialist

Practicing since :2007

Answered : 1303 Questions

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How Can Stomach Be Reduced After Childbirth?

Brief Answer: Abdominoplasty is last resort. Detailed Answer: Hi XXXXXXX Thank you for choosing Healthcaremagic. I have analyzed your history. Sagging of abdomen after caesarean or delivery is common. Sometimes it takes even upto 6 to 12 months to regain your normal abdominal contour. Regarding diverication of recti is rare after caesarean, as it is usually done in the lower abdomen, without disturbing the main rectus muscle. Diverication is seen in patients who have undergone multiple abdominal surgeries. What I advise you is diet modification and good abdominal exercises. You can even try yoga, naturotherapy for the same. Last resort will be Abdominoplasty, this is a major operation. It is also known as tummy tuck. I usually advise this only after they have tried all methods and in-vain. This operation is recommended once the person has completed her family. I advise you to get evaluated by your obgy specialist and confirm if you have any diverication of recti. Also do good abdominal exercises, avoid fatty foods, you can even meet a dietician. Try all the other alternative methods. Along with this I usually give my post partum patients abdominal binder i.e Abdogrip. They are abdominal straps, it will give temporary relief. Please ask if you have more questions. If you are satisfied, please make sure that your ACCEPT my answer so that I receive credit. Good luck!!