Impact on your body of 4 births (or more)

[paddypants]

Am about to have DC no.4 and am wondering how those who have given birth a number of times have found the effect to be of each additional birth on their body.

Not so much weight gain or change of body shape but more so issues like pelvic floor strength and core strength.

Having suffered a bad cough for last couple of weeks I am all to aware now how weak my pelvic floor muscles are and it concerns me.

I don't want to feel that I will be entering middle age weakened physically and more susceptible to certain problems.

Do you feel your body has recovered well and if so, has anything in particular helped in your opinion?

I've had 8 and I feel fine, just remember your exercises and take a multivitamin so you don't get run down x

Last child of 4 born 14 years ago.
I ended up having an abdominoplasty because of split muscles and umbilical hernia. To strengthen my core as I age. It was a tough operation, but I’m glad I went through with it.
Now I do Pilates to strengthen my pelvic floor - you need a good teacher to make sure you’re doing it right.

I’ve had 4 c sections (my last 8 months ago at 41)...and I feel fine but I’m quite fit and a small build. I’ve managed to get back to my original weight fairly easily particularly after babies 3 & 4 but maybe due to being so busy with the others...the skin around my belly button is very crinkly butother than that I’ve got no side effects per se...I breastfed all 4 for 7 months and my boobs have thankfully shrunk (& drooped!!) but they were far too big for my physique before kids so not a problem...

I don’t know if this thread qualifies as a zombie thread but I’m placemarking nonetheless.

I have 2 DC and had a dream CS recovery first time and feel that someone has totally fucked up on the second so I have to lose weight and get fit to be able to properly assess my fitness vs damage done vs ability to have any more children safely.

I was 37 when I had dc4. Can't say I e noticed too much difference in my pelvic floor, core strength or recovery time etc. The only noticeable thing is my periods are a lot heavier but my migraines have gone.

Ive had 4 all by section, smallest was 9lb, heaviest was 11.6lbs. I have had to really concentrate on my core strength and building up my muscles around my lower back as that is most definately a very weak spot now. Considering their weights and the sections i do count myself lucky in that my lower back problems are kept in check with regular exercises.