Muscle Separation from pregnancy

[julianovak]

I am a little upset :( I had this with my DD, and I really do not think it went away after delivery... bc by the time I was 18 wk I could see the telltale bulge in the midst of abdomen. Anyways.

IS this reversable????? WIll i need surgery? Im just wanting to get my normal waist back. And I always looked bloated pre-pregnancy.  :(

[JoyRenee]

Crunches will only exacerbate the problem and can rip your abs further. I think crunches are only supposed to be done if you don't have separated abs. ??? That's my take on it! I may be wrong and people are free to correct me if so.

[Ezkg]

I saw an Oesteo for exactly that issue (and back pain from carrying around a heavy bub). I was told to do pilates to rebuild my core strength and yes to be very careful with crunches etc apparently if you're not careful your muscles strengthen but stay separated. So the key is to strengthen them gradually so they re- knit. Good luck!

[Tasia32]

I am confused about it too :-(

[julianovak]

Yes... Thats exactly what Im a bit confused about, the abs dont help.... ?! I read that too... I hope someone has insight, or dealt with it.

[JoyRenee]

From my limited understanding everyone experiences abdominal muscle separation in order to accommodating the growing uterus. Damage to these muscles can result in them staying separated. You'll want to do some core-strengthening exercises and realize that crunches, I've been told, are the worst to do. A lot of ballet moves can strengthen your core, for instance.

Again, limited understanding here, so maybe someone else has more insight.