The extra fluid that built up in your body during pregnancy will gradually decrease, reducing swelling and bloating . And any extra fat you put on to nourish your baby will start to burn off, especially if you're breastfeeding and exercising . But it takes at least a few weeks to see noticeable results.
It takes time for your body to fully recover from pregnancy. Your postpartum belly won't instantly go back to how it was before you were pregnant – it's a process that can take months or even years, while some bellies may take on a different shape permanently.
All women (even the Duchess of Cambridge!) have a bit of a belly for the first four to eight weeks after giving birth, as the uterus shrinks back to size. But for some of us, that “five months pregnant” look can last months or even years.
1. Why is postpartum belly fat hard to lose? Your belly is a primary storehouse area of body fat, especially during pregnancy. Hence, it's natural that it will take some time to lose the fat in your stomach after birth.
You gain stretch marks, add pounds, and crave different foods. After birth, you may find that your body isn't that different from your pregnant body. For some women, this remains true a year or more after giving birth. It's possible for your postpartum belly to go away, but it takes time and dedication.
Brenner says, the tissues get so stretched out during pregnancy that they lose their elasticity and, therefore, the ability to retract back into position—kind of like an overstretched rubber band. This leads to a belly pooch, which is a telltale sign of diastasis recti.
Your Hips Get Wider
For most women, these enlarged bones go back to their original place by about 18 weeks postpartum, but some women keep the extra girth permanently.
It's recommended that belly bands are worn between two to 12 weeks postpartum for the best possible results.
You can reduce your mum tum via diet, exercise, or a combination of both. Of course, as you might expect, it all depends on what exactly is causing your post-pregnancy pooch. If your mum tum is primarily caused by pregnancy weight gain, diet or exercise could do the trick.
You gain weight over 9+ months of pregnancy, so it's normal to take 9+ months to get back your pre-pregnancy body after your baby is born. However, a belly bulge that doesn't go away for months after delivery can be a sign of diastasis recti—a separation of your abdominal muscles.
Pregnancy and post-pregnancy can bring about acne, dryness, wrinkles and sagging, eczema, rosacea, and under eye circles if you are not consciously choosing a diet and lifestyle that supports what your body is going through at this time.
Thicker Thighs and Legs
It can take up to a year to lose the weight gained during pregnancy, says Dr. Dawson. To lose weight gradually, experts recommend a mix of exercise and well-balanced nutrition.
Avoid stairs and lifting until your doctor says these activities are OK. Don't take a bath or go swimming until the doctor says it's OK. Don't drive until your doctor says it's OK. Also wait until you can make sudden movements and wear a safety belt properly without discomfort.
Diastasis recti
Well, yes you are probably still carrying a few extra pounds after your pregnancy and that is normal. But what you need to know is that one of the biggest contributors to mummy tummy is diastasis recti. Diastasis recti (abdominal separation) is when your ab muscles called the rectus abdominis separate.
Diet and exercise: Losing weight through a healthy diet and regular exercise can help to reduce belly overhang by reducing the amount of fat stored in the abdominal area. Cardio exercise: Aerobic exercises such as cycling, running, swimming, or brisk walking can help to burn calories and reduce belly fat.
During pregnancy, the muscles stretch to accommodate the growing fetus. The connective tissue between the abdominal muscles can thin and weaken, and that can lead to a bulge in your belly. That post-pregnancy bulge is commonly known as a "mommy pooch" or "mommy-tummy" and it will not go away with diet and exercise.
The term 'C section pouch' is used to describe the build-up of surplus skin and fatty tissue that aggregates in the abdominal area following a caesarean procedure. This physical manifestation is also recognised by several other names such as 'pannus stomach', 'mummy tummy', or 'apron belly'.
Generally, if the muscles are going to heal on their own, they will within three months of birth. If you are several months postpartum, it's likely that your diastasis recti is here to stay. Some women have had success using targeted exercises to help the muscles move closer together.
Abdominal binders can be a useful tool as you face a C-section recovery. Most people will be offered one at the hospital.
It is not necessary or recommended to wear a postpartum belly wrap at night or anytime while you are sleeping. If your postpartum corset has boning it will be difficult to find a comfortable position and you also want to give your muscles a chance to work by themselves.