I still look 5 months pregnant despite reducing all pregnancy weight which often comes back quickly when I stop working out.
I'm not sure if the doctor's consultation(of which dept) would help reduce my tummy
Answers (13)
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Fullbody strengthening exercise Will help you.
Visit a good physio who can train you and also visit a good clinical dietitian for the same, get all you basic test done to find the root cause.
Sugar, thyroid etc
Dear Patient,
Thank you for sharing your concern. Based on your description, it seems you might be experiencing a condition called diastasis recti, which is common after pregnancy. Diastasis recti occurs when the abdominal muscles separate during pregnancy, leaving a gap that can cause the "pregnant belly" appearance even after weight loss. Here’s how physiotherapy can help:
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Step 1: Confirm Diagnosis
Before starting exercises, it is essential to confirm if diastasis recti is present. This can be assessed by:
1. Lying on your back with knees bent.
2. Lifting your head slightly off the floor while placing your fingers just above the belly button.
3. Feeling for a gap or a soft bulge.
If unsure, visit a physiotherapist for proper evaluation.
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Physiotherapy Plan for Core Recovery
Phase 1: Core Engagement (Weeks 1–4)
Goals: Strengthen the deep abdominal muscles without straining the rectus abdominis.
Exercises:
1. Diaphragmatic Breathing:
Lie on your back, place your hands on your abdomen, and take deep breaths. Focus on expanding your belly as you inhale and gently pulling it in as you exhale.
Perform 5–10 minutes daily.
2. Pelvic Tilts:
Lie on your back, bend your knees, and flatten your lower back against the floor by tilting your pelvis. Hold for 5 seconds and release.
Repeat 10–15 times, 2–3 times daily.
3. Transverse Abdominis Activation:
Lie on your back and draw your belly button towards your spine without holding your breath. Hold for 5–10 seconds.
Perform 10 repetitions, 2–3 times daily.
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Phase 2: Progressive Strengthening (Weeks 5–8)
Goals: Improve muscle strength and reduce the abdominal gap.
Exercises:
1. Heel Slides:
Lie on your back, engage your core, and slide one heel away from your body. Bring it back and alternate legs.
Perform 10–15 repetitions per leg, 2 times daily.
2. Modified Side Plank:
Lie on your side with knees bent. Lift your hips off the ground and hold for 10 seconds. Gradually increase hold time as tolerated.
Perform 3 repetitions on each side daily.
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Phase 3: Full Functional Recovery (Weeks 9 and Beyond)
Goals: Strengthen core stability and prevent future muscle separation.
Exercises:
1. Bird Dog:
On all fours, engage your core, extend one arm and the opposite leg, and hold for 5–10 seconds.
Perform 10 repetitions per side.
2. Glute Bridge:
Lie on your back, bend your knees, and lift your hips while engaging your core.
Hold for 5 seconds, then lower down. Perform 10–15 repetitions.
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Additional Tips
1. Avoid These Movements:
Crunches, sit-ups, or planks in the early stages, as they can worsen the separation.
Heavy lifting without core support.
2. Postural Awareness:
Maintain a good posture to avoid straining the abdominal muscles.
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When to Consult a Doctor
If there’s persistent swelling, pain, or no improvement after 8–12 weeks of physiotherapy, consult a gynecologist or a physiotherapist specializing in postpartum rehabilitation.
Feel free to book a session at PAL Physiotherapy Clinic, Gurgaon, for personalized guidance.
Warm regards,
Dr. Rajesh Pal
Physiotherapist & Postpartum Recovery Specialist
(Focused on the child at least for 1 year):
It is natural for the body to take time to recover after childbirth. The focus during the first year postpartum should be on nurturing the child and ensuring overall health rather than intense physical changes. Hormonal changes, sleep patterns, and stress levels also influence recovery and weight management.
Next Steps
To address the persistent appearance of a "pregnant belly," it’s important to evaluate for potential diastasis recti (separation of abdominal muscles), which is common after pregnancy. A consultation with a physiotherapist or healthcare provider specializing in postpartum recovery can assess this and recommend tailored exercises.
Health Tips
1.Postpartum Exercises:
Begin with gentle exercises such as pelvic tilts, bridges, and core breathing to strengthen the abdominal and pelvic muscles. Progress gradually to more advanced exercises as strength improves.
2.Healthy Nutrition:
Focus on a balanced diet rich in fiber, lean protein, and healthy fats to support muscle recovery and manage weight.
3.Hydration: Staying hydrated aids digestion and overall health.
4.Core and Pelvic Health: Include exercises like Kegels and controlled core activation exercises to rebuild strength.
5.Lifestyle Modifications: Avoid activities that strain the abdomen, such as lifting heavy objects or poor posture, until abdominal muscles regain strength.
6.Seek Guidance: A physiotherapist specializing in women’s health can design a program to address your specific needs.
Recovery is a gradual process, and consistency is key.
Patience and professional guidance will help achieve long-term results while maintaining health and functionality.
Hello,
First consult gynaecologist to confirm not having any medical issue.
Then consult dietitian for diet & physiotherapist
Next Steps
Make a timetable for regular exercise
Strengthening Exercises for back muscle, abdominal muscle, Shoulder joint muscles, hip joint muscle, knee joint muscle & active movement of small joint muscle
Health Tips
Follow your timetable, do exercise properly
Do not take your body towards any injury & follow as per advice
You need to do Post partum exercises to reduce the belly fat which often many will suffer after delivery.
Consult nearby physiotherapist for post partum exercises.
Greetings from Rid of Pain Physiotherapy
First of all how much time has been from last pregnancy. Next about the DR at what grade it is?
Improvement will depend on both these things. Core and pelvic exercises under the guidance and observation of physiotherapists can help you to recover from your belly. Customized exercises for long duration will definitely help you.
hello
please consult to an orthopaedic for your oftn back pain and then consult to physiotherapist to get specialized exercisce chart which will help to reduce weight without causing further back pain
Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
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