Problem tummy muscles 3 years after last baby

[superdeeduper]

Just wanted to find out if anyone else has experienced problem tummy muscles. I have had 4 babies, the last 2 were within a year of each other.

Apart from the exercises that you get on the maternity ward, I cant' say I have been one for sit-ups. I am very active, walking swimming etc and am around a 10/12 so don't feel I need to lose weight as such but would like to tone up my tummy area.

Anyway, I have noticed since having my last baby 3 years ago, that I seem to get a lot of 'pulled' muscles in my tummy. It usually happens when I am lying in bed and then turn over, where I get a hot shooting pain in some muscles. It can wake me up at night it's so painful.

I'm keen to try and tone up but worried I may do further damage. Anyone got any advice?

Oh and I should add, I'm not looking for a washboard stomach! Thought I would ask about the pain tho if it's something I should get checked out

some women suffer from seperated stomach muscles after delivery which can cause pain . Have a look at this infowww.homechiropractor.co.uk/pdfs/abdominal_rectus_separation.pdf

I second that alypaly...I was telling a mum about that not so long ago and how she could get back into shape - but after 4 children superdeeduper you may find it very difficult. Thats not to put you off trying..but been as your a 10/12 as you say and do certain types of exercise already, it may be much easier for you to get something out of it. This is where I got my previous info from... www.befitmom.com/abdominal_seperation.html it gives some exercises at the bottom for you to do...

apparently i was told that if you are fit and exercise alot it is more likely to happen as your tummy muscles are already taught. Mine did the same thing and a can feel where they have separated. I keep myself very fit but pregnancy and 2 babies has left me with a protruding tummy

There is a book by a woman: The Tupler Technique.

www.amazon.co.uk/Lose-Your-Mummy-Tummy-Groundbreaking/dp/0738209813/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1 267032905&sr=8-2

I'd see a doctor but not sure what he can do/say. Maybe see a specialist and consider a tummy tuck/sewing the seperation together? My neighbour had it done and she is very happy with the results (and her tummy is so flat and smooth now).

Thanks guys. Alypaly I think you describe it best when you say a "protruding tummy"!

Wish I could afford a tummy tuck! I've ordered the book from Amazon tho so will give the exercises a try.

Hi Superdeeduper

I've got very bad case of diastis recti (seperated stomach muscles). And after just one baby....

I've had some physio therapy which has helped bring the muscles much closer and the upper and lower half of the tummy is now normal. However around my belly button it is still quite bad and it protrudes.

I also get the very sharp shooting pain during the night when I turn over in bed. Both the physiotherapist and an obstetrician I saw, told me that it is the bowel being pinched between the two slightly seperated muscles.

As you turn over in bed, one part "flops" down towards the other and as there is a seperation, the bowel will protrude a little and sometimes get caught.

I find it horrendous and its a horrible way to wake up. I'd describe it as a very "bright" pain and you're instantly very awake.

As well as the physio (having to pay myself as rubbish NHS considers Diastis "cosmetic" ), I've also recently bought the tupler book which is also helping.

If you're able to afford physio (make sure you get one who understands Diastis!), do it! Otherwise you can repeatedly badger GP and they may eventually give in. Particularly if you can pursuade them that your bowel is "herniating thru".

Its not at all nice and a very common problem postnatally but in the country, there is no help or advice (Mumsnet aside) to guide or assist.

Its one of those unfortunate situations where you have to work hard at it as it will not heal itself.

I was advised not to have the surgery by physio and obstetrician as they all said downtime is very very long and one false move thereafter and you're back to square1.

I hope you get yours sorted.
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