tummy muscles separated during pregnancy - can I now do sit ups again??

[Bicnod]

hello - I have always had pretty good stomach muscles (lots of running, pilates, stomach crunches etc) but my tummy muscles separated during pregnancy and are still not totally back together. When I do the lying on back and lifting head test they are still about a finger and a half's width apart.

Can I start doing stomach crunches again? I really want to get my toned tum back but don't know if its ok to start crunching before muscles are totally back together.

GP said go for it, midwife said don't so not sure what to do.

DS is now 4 1/2 months old.

Thanks

[norktasticninja]

I'm no expert but I'd believe the MW over the GP every time. I think there's a long thread on this problem running on here somewhere.

[Bicnod]

I searched but couldn't find a thread - if you could point me in the right direction that would fab

[ib]

I started as soon as they were two fingers apart and it was fine. They came together much faster once I started on the pilates, too.

I would take it easy initially, though.

[Bicnod]

ib - did you start with the leg raising exercises or straight into stomach crunches?

[cluckyagain]

I too started back on pilates pretty early - they came together well but do be careful and take it easy....not too much 'full body weight' work.

[JRocks]

I don't know if crunches would be good, but pilates should benefit you. That's the only thing that worked for me. I think it's because you work the whole core, not just strengthening the abs.

Don't go mad though!

[noodlesoup]

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/childbirth/516945-i-have-a-spearated-abdomen-also-called-diastasis-recti

[FabBakerGirlIsBack]

Mine separated when I had DS2 who is now 4 and I can look pregnant some days. I wouldn't have a clue if they are 1 finger or 10 apart but would be interested to know if there is anything I could do, even after 4 years.

[Bicnod]

thanks noodlesoup - will have a read

so what i'm hearing is take it easy, start with pilates and build up.

i'm crap at taking things slowly but will try and force myself. i can still do a full roll up with no problems so think my tummy muscles are still in fairly good nick - fingers crossed they will come back together (and once i stop eating all the cake that is currently essential for breastfeeding i might actually be able to see them again as well )

[cluckyagain]

Bicnod - mine came together pretty easily once I started properly doing the pilates again (and the teacher knew what she was doing).....2 more babies later and the tummy isn;t what it was, but certainly better than it could have been!!

[Bicnod]

I can't afford to go to pilates classes anymore can anyone recommend a good book or DVD?

[cluckyagain]

Bicnod - I have 'the pilates pregnancy' book which you're welcome to have (for the price of postage) - let me have your email address and I'll email you.

Cx

[Bicnod]

that would be fab clucky - thanks i'll CAT you x

[Bicnod]

oooo - couldn't CAT you... are you able to change your settings?

[cluckyagain]

Crap - shall have a go!!

cx

[cluckyagain]

OOps - meant to say cr*p!!

[cluckyagain]

Hmm - it says they're already allowed...except that I don't subscribe - does that matter if you're sending to me? if not, would you mind posting it on here?

[Bicnod]

ok - sarahbreese2000 @ hotmail dot com - hopefully no evil people will find that and fill it up with invitations to buy viagra...

thanks again

[cluckyagain]

Have sent you an email xx