After pregnancy, the abdomen appears more relaxed due to muscle and skin changes, with variable recovery times. Gradual movement, balanced nutrition and targeted treatments can help return to tone, while some conditions such as diastasis require specific assessments and pathways
When we talk about “postpartum belly” we are referring to one of the numerous modifications linked to the various changes in the body (physical and hormonal) of the mother due to pregnancy and the birth event. It can be found both in women who give birth vaginally and in women who undergo a caesarean section, as it is mainly related to the gestation and the type of birth.
In this article we will try to understand what it depends on, what the recovery times are and how to intervene in some cases.
Why does the belly remain after giving birth
Pregnancy and childbirth cause numerous changes in a woman’s body. Among these changes we find those that concern the abdominal wall. The prolonged distension of the abdominal muscles during pregnancy, in fact, determines what in jargon is called a “soft and atonic belly”, typical of the puerpera (the woman in the period of approximately 6-8 weeks following childbirth). The skin loses elasticity and muscle tone and its tone is gradually regained no earlier than 5-6 weeks after giving birth, while skin striae (pregnancy stretch marks) are never completely reduced.
Another physical change that concerns gestation and, specifically, the skin of the abdomen is the so-called “linea nigra”, which we talk about in this article.
Recovery times
The most difficult question to answer is: “When does the postpartum belly go away?”. Unfortunately, the answer is not universal, as it depends on various factors that can influence recovery times. That is to say:
- genetic factors, i.e. the shape of the muscles and the quality of collagen;
- the characteristics of the pregnancy, i.e. variables such as the weight gained during gestation, single or twin pregnancy, birth via cesarean section or not;
- lifestyle, i.e. whether or not you opt to resume moderate physical activity, correct nutrition and adequate rest.
The recovery of tissue laxity, therefore, varies from woman to woman, but in general it takes 3-6 months. After a cesarean section, functional and muscular recovery is slower than after natural childbirth and requires greater care, especially for the correct healing of the surgical wound and for physical activity, which must be resumed gradually and with the support of professionals.
How to eliminate postpartum belly and skin treatments
«How to get rid of the belly after giving birth?» is another very common question among mothers. The indications in this regard are similar to those of the general population, with small precautions related to changes due to childbirth (vaginal or cesarean). Let’s see them below:
- Physical activity. The easiest and cheapest exercise is walking. In fact, when the woman feels up to it, she can start going out (even with the baby) and taking gradual and variable walks in the open air. Walking is good from a physical point of view, helps improve the emotional state and promotes the resumption of other post-partum aerobic physical activities. In fact, after the 40-day visit (indicated and recommended at the time of discharge), if the conditions are right, it is possible to resume even more intense physical activities such as pilates, yoga and swimming, modifying the exercises also based on your needs and characteristics (for example, diastasis of the rectus muscles, alterations of the pelvic floor). Resuming physical activity helps reduce the use of the post-partum belly pan: a useful tool in specific cases, but always for a limited time, to avoid pressure on the pelvic floor and therefore its alterations.
- Diet. A complete and balanced diet is essential for postpartum recovery, especially if you are breastfeeding; it will be possible to evaluate with a health professional any supplements and the reduction of processed foods that could contribute to abdominal swelling and water retention. A healthy diet also helps restore skin elasticity
- Skin products. Skin elasticity can improve, always following the advice of a professional, also by using firming products based on collagen, elastin, vitamin E, in addition to the use of natural cold-pressed oil with natural ingredients such as almond and coconut (useful for stretch marks also on the breast and can already be used during pregnancy for perineal massage).
- Aesthetic and surgical treatments. Among the possible treatments, non-invasive ones should be distinguished (such as lymphatic drainage massages, which stimulate circulation and reduce abdominal swelling, and radiofrequency to improve elasticity) and invasive ones (which instead involve surgery such as abdominoplasty and liposuction to aesthetically reshape the belly after childbirth). All aesthetic treatments, invasive or non-invasive, must be carried out by professionals and in appropriate centres; in particular, surgical ones should only be evaluated starting from 6 months after giving birth.
Abdominal diastasis
Often, after childbirth, especially in twin pregnancies or in more genetically predisposed women, abdominal diastasis occurs, that is, the separation of the rectus abdominis muscles. In this condition, the abdomen after childbirth is characterized by a distance greater than 2 cm between the muscles, which does not resolve spontaneously over time, rather it can only get worse. It is characterized by symptoms such as central swelling, urinary incontinence associated with alterations of the pelvic floor and digestive difficulties.
The first diagnosis is often made through abdominal observation alone, then confirmed by professional tests (such as the finger test) and instrumental tests (ultrasound or abdominal magnetic resonance imaging). In case of hypotheses and doubts, but above all to confirm the suspicion of abdominal diastasis, it is advisable to contact professionals in the sector (physiotherapists or doctors), so that they can give specific and different therapeutic indications for each woman: among the treatments provided there are mainly rehabilitation ones, while surgical treatments concern the most serious cases.
Emotional aspect and body acceptance
Pregnancy first and childbirth afterwards can bring numerous physical changes to the woman’s body, changes which can also affect the psychological sphere, thus influencing the emotional aspect and self-acceptance.
It is good to inform pregnant women, starting from birth preparation courses, of the numerous changes that may occur in their body, and to support them adequately from the first weeks of puerperium, informing them that recovery times are subjective and variable, helping them in accepting their “modified” body and supporting them in requesting professional, physical and psychological help.
