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How To Reduce Stomach Post Pregnancy?

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Posted on Tue, 24 Feb 2015
Question: Hi,
XXXX here, I delivered a baby girl 7 months back(Normal delivery). Post pregnancy i feel my tummy became very soft and enlarging, in-spite of proper diet.

Please let me know any belt I can use to make fit, also suggest proper diet plan.

Thanks
XXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Aarti Abraham (32 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Belt helps immediately after delivery, other methods suggested.

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXX
Thanks for writing to us with your health concern.
Basically the abdominal belts and binders are used immediately after childbirth to prevent excessive loosening of the abdominal area.
They are supposed to be used right after the day of the delivery and continued for a few weeks post delivery.
They are of no use now after 7 months of delivery.
For giving a fitter shape to the abdomen, you can use tummy shapers and tummy XXXXXXX undergarments.
These are easily available on a website called www.zivame.com.
However, they do NOT help to lose weight, they just help to create a fitter image with your clothes on.
Sagging of the belly and loosening of the tummy area is very common after delivery.
You need to be very disciplined and dedicated to treat this problem.
Following tips can be followed -
1. Restrict your calorie intake - eat more of protein ( fish , chicken, paneer, tofu, dal, beans, nuts, dry fruits ) instead of carbohydrates ( sugar, oil, ghee, rice, bread, maida, XXXXXXX burgers, pizzas etc ).
2. Join an exercise programme, and go for daily exercise for atleast 45 minutes per day. Also, join abdominal exercise programme with a fitness trainer and daily yoga classes.
3. Drink lots of water / fluids.
4. Avoid eating outside, eat simple, home cooked food.
5. Instead of 2 - 3 big meals, eat small frequent meals, every 2 - 3 hours.
6. Avoid eating for atleast 2 hours before going to bed.
7. Start your day with a cup of green tea / warm water with honey and lemon .
8. Keep moving throughout the day and involve yourself in your home work / professional work.
9. Find time to exercise.
10. Avoid starving, and avoid going hungry for many hours at a time, that will slow down your metabolism.
11. Have healthy snacks - whole wheat / multigrain bread or toast, dahi, buttermilk, sprouts, vegetable upma, beetroot and carrot / spinach soup.
12. INclude lots of green leafy vegetables and fresh fruits in your diet.
13. Avoid stress.
14. With a small child, I know that sleeping is irregular, but try to get lots of sleep because sleep deprivation can result in weight gain.
15. Overall weight loss will lead to loss of fat from the tummy, and then the abdominal exercises will help to regain tone and fitness of the area.
16. Do not expect miracles overnight, a dedicated effort over atleast 6 months by changing your diet and exercise will lead to visible results.
All the best
Please feel free to discuss further.
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. Vinay Bhardwaj
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Aarti Abraham

OBGYN

Practicing since :1998

Answered : 6004 Questions

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How To Reduce Stomach Post Pregnancy?

Brief Answer: Belt helps immediately after delivery, other methods suggested. Detailed Answer: Hello XXXX Thanks for writing to us with your health concern. Basically the abdominal belts and binders are used immediately after childbirth to prevent excessive loosening of the abdominal area. They are supposed to be used right after the day of the delivery and continued for a few weeks post delivery. They are of no use now after 7 months of delivery. For giving a fitter shape to the abdomen, you can use tummy shapers and tummy XXXXXXX undergarments. These are easily available on a website called www.zivame.com. However, they do NOT help to lose weight, they just help to create a fitter image with your clothes on. Sagging of the belly and loosening of the tummy area is very common after delivery. You need to be very disciplined and dedicated to treat this problem. Following tips can be followed - 1. Restrict your calorie intake - eat more of protein ( fish , chicken, paneer, tofu, dal, beans, nuts, dry fruits ) instead of carbohydrates ( sugar, oil, ghee, rice, bread, maida, XXXXXXX burgers, pizzas etc ). 2. Join an exercise programme, and go for daily exercise for atleast 45 minutes per day. Also, join abdominal exercise programme with a fitness trainer and daily yoga classes. 3. Drink lots of water / fluids. 4. Avoid eating outside, eat simple, home cooked food. 5. Instead of 2 - 3 big meals, eat small frequent meals, every 2 - 3 hours. 6. Avoid eating for atleast 2 hours before going to bed. 7. Start your day with a cup of green tea / warm water with honey and lemon . 8. Keep moving throughout the day and involve yourself in your home work / professional work. 9. Find time to exercise. 10. Avoid starving, and avoid going hungry for many hours at a time, that will slow down your metabolism. 11. Have healthy snacks - whole wheat / multigrain bread or toast, dahi, buttermilk, sprouts, vegetable upma, beetroot and carrot / spinach soup. 12. INclude lots of green leafy vegetables and fresh fruits in your diet. 13. Avoid stress. 14. With a small child, I know that sleeping is irregular, but try to get lots of sleep because sleep deprivation can result in weight gain. 15. Overall weight loss will lead to loss of fat from the tummy, and then the abdominal exercises will help to regain tone and fitness of the area. 16. Do not expect miracles overnight, a dedicated effort over atleast 6 months by changing your diet and exercise will lead to visible results. All the best Please feel free to discuss further.