As women, facing the post-pregnancy belly bulge could be daunting. You stare at your belly and wonder when it's going to get back to "normal size," but the truth is that rocking flat stomach just weeks after giving birth is NOT normal. Celebs may make it look easy, but by no means is it healthy or natural. That's because most women's uteruses are still retracting to normal size up to eight weeks after giving birth. The real reason your pesky belly bulge sticks around could surprise you.
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The fact is that no amount of crunches or strength training is going to reduce your post-pregnancy belly. Sure, fajas could help, but it won't lead to healthy and long-lasting results. While going under the knife may be tempting for some, you don't have to go that far to bust the belly bulge.
Beating the belly pooch comes with understand what it is. Belly bulge after pregnancy is known as diastasis recti. This is caused when your core ab muscles (the rectus abdomini) separate and stretch outward, which takes place when your body is trying to make room for the baby.
The movement of muscle leaves more room for the belly bulge to form outward. The good news is that only 13 percent of physically active women suffer from this condition, according to Diastasis Rehab. This is more reason than ever to stay active!
While you may think that doing massive crunches will help your situation, it could end up damaging the connective tissues even more. Instead, try yoga, swimming or cardio exercises are recommended to reduce diastasis recti. Make sure to talk to your doctor before starting an exercise regimen before or after pregnancy.
"It takes a long time for that connective tissue to come back to its original tone," explains pre and post-natal fitness expert, Leah Keller. With a little patience, self-love and sweat we can all help make the belly pooch a thing of the past.
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