ridge down middle of bump when sit up weirdness

[LuckyC]

I am 31 weeks. When I use my stomach muscles to sit up (eg from lying in the bath to sitting in the bath) I get a really pronounced ridge running down the middle of my bump - like I can draw a line down the centre of my bump which would be the middle of a steeply pitched roof. Hard to describe.

Is this normal??

Funnily enough I noticed exactly the same thing last night in the bath. I'm 33 weeks and don't remember this with DS. Not sure about whether its normal or not but I guess its just some of those core muscles being more prominent than usual as they are sitting on top of a big bump.

I know exactly what you mean. If it isn't normal, then I'm abnormal too.

I get the same thing, it's like my bump goes triangular when I sit up that way. Seemed weird when I first noticed it, but I think it's normal.

Yep I get this too - it's freaky!!

It is normal, but best to avoid sitting straight up. This happens because your tummy muscles have separated (which they are designed to in pregnancy). I think when I went to our intro physio class last time I was pregnant, they say that rather than sitting straight up, you try and turn onto your side and lever yourself up with your arms - that way it will save your ab muscles getting stretched too much. It's just about possible to do when in the bath... but a bit tricky so be careful not to slip!

Your hospital may offer 'shape up classes' of some kind to get ab muscles back in tone after your baby is born.

Def not do sit ups! A friend had this and was advised not to do anything which involved using these muscles even floating on her back in the swimming pool was a no no.

Be careful.

Thanks very much for reassuring 'me-too' messages from all with triangular stomachs and warnings from Numpty and doughnutty.

I am going to play it safe and start trying to avoid using those muscles. It's really hard anyway and it's not like I am trying to use them - but will try to do the roll-and-lever thing. Or get DH to haul me up, or use pulleys and ropes. Oh the glamour.

Yep, I have this too, abdominal separation, great! Months of transverse abdominal exercises after the birth to repair the split, apparently the Tupler Technique is very good. There are books and DVD's you can get which explain how to do it. Whatever you do, don't start doing sit ups and crunches after the birth, that will make it worse.

its totally normal but try to avoid it happening (ie take great care getting out of bath) because it puts pressure on these muscles and can lead to permanent damage.

It is completely normal but utterly freaky to see. Am 31 weeks with number 3 and still find it utterly vile to see.

Oh god yes please be careful.

My midwife told me to roll to the side to sit up to avoid using those muscles (you know, like how they tell you to get up after a gym class?).

That has brought back memories of when I was pregant with DS2. It was very freaky.

I started seeing this when I was about 15 weeks, and figured it was something to do with my muscles being pushed out of the way for Baby. It does look weird, but also a little bit entertaining

But I'll start being a bit more careful now, considering what everyone's been saying.

I know, is quite entertaining, I have used it as a freak-circus-trick type thing to scare non-pregnant friends . But will stop now.

[waves to other May mummies]

Totally normal
Admit it does look rather freaky though doesnt it!